
-A' J"! 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




DaDDHfi37745 







O ♦ A 






* • 




o,. ♦/TVT^ A 



<^^ ..^" 



' .'^^ ' 









*^'"-^. 



';*'tf' 



VVi* vv 



^»t.ij^ •* 









6 yj,^ . 



* .^^^'V « 



lO^ ^. ♦«'T75^»' A 









•yrr*' a 




mo 









*0 



• I "» 



©■ • 



» •©. 



%. 














"°4-_ '•"" . 



v"^ • ♦ • 



THREE PLAYS 
BALBOA - XILONA 

THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 



THREE PLAYS 

BALBOA XILONA 

THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 



Br 

FRANCIS A. MAC NUTT 



« 



NEW YORK 

LAURENCE J. GOMME 

1916 






COPYKIGHT, 1916, BY 
LaUREKCE J, GOMME 



DEC 20 1916 



VAIL-BALLOU COMPANY 
PINQHAMTON AND NEW YORK 



©CIA453189 



Q 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Balboa 1 

XlLONA 107 

The Victorious Duchess 231 



I 

BALBOA 

A Drama of Darien 

IN 

Seven Scenes and a Prologue 



Characters in the Prologue 

Ferdinand, King of Aragon. 

Johanna the Mad, Queen of Castile, his daughter. 

Las Casas, a Dominican Friar. 

FoNSECA, Bishop of Burgos. 

Conchillos, Private Secretary to the King. 

Zamudio, Messenger from Balboa. 

Don Pedr arias d'x\vila, Governor of Darien. 

Dona Isabel, His wife. 

Enciso, an explorer. 

QuEVEDO, Bishop of Darien. 

Four ladies in attendance on the Queen: a dwarf, 
court jester to the late King Philip the Fair; some 
courtiers, Dominican friars, etc.; a cardi/nal, clergy 
of the royal chapel, men at arms on duty at the 
Court. 



THE PROLOGUE 

In the upper room of a monastery in Valladolid : 
gothic arches opening aicross the hack upon a 
cloister, through which a view of roofs and towers 
and the reddening simset sky. Double doorway 
to the right approached by several steps leads into 
a chapel: opposite is a similar doorway y but with- 
out steps. Furniture consists of two gothic throne- 
like chairs, standing together, left, facing stage; 
before them stands a massive table strewn with 
maps, parchments, etc., on which stand important 
candlesticks bearing lighted candles, and a globe. 
A t the extreme back, right, between the chapel door 
and the arches leading into the open cloister, stands 
a bier covered with a black velvet pall: two lighted 
torches of yellow wax burn in portable bearers of 
silver or iron. Around the bier stand several 
Dominican friars reciting prayers, sotto voce, and 
four bearers in royal liveries. 

Upon the two thrones are seated King Ferdinand 
and Johanna the Mad of Castile: behind, and to 
one side of the Queen, stand four ladies, two of 
whom are old, wrinkled, stout or otherwise devoid 
of good looks, while the two others are young and 



4 BALBOA 

good looking enough. Near the King at the end 
of the table are grouped the Bishop of Burgos, 
the Bishop of Darien, Las Casas, Conchillos and 
several courtiers. Upon the table stand two boivls, 
one containing specimens of gold nuggets and the 
other of pearls y sent by Balboa, as evidence of the 
wealth of Darien and Panama. 

KING 

What more does the fellow write? 

CONCHILLOS 

[Reading from Balboa^ s letter."] 
That southern ocean is navigable for ships, and the 
Indians tell me that it is always calm and serene, never 
tempestuous like our Atlantic. The rivers flowing 
into it, carry down golden nuggets as large as or- 
anges, and everywhere along the shores and islands 
large and fair pearls are found in such quantities 
that all the women wear ropes of them, and the chiefs 
possess basketsful. Along the coast of the mysteri- 
ous ocean there lies a vast and rich country unvisited 
by white men, where emeralds are mined and gold is 
so common that the inhabitants use it for their 
household utensils, just like iron with us. 

KING 

This sounds like what Marco Polo wrote of Cathay 
and the wealth of the Grand KTian. 



BALBOA 5 

CONCHILLOS 

Or the accounts of the kingdom of Prester John. 

BURGOS 

It is a tale of Ophir. 

KING 

Hum, the fellow writes with a ready pen, but is he 
to be trusted? 

BURGOS 

All these adventurers write alike when it is a ques- 
tion of obtaining Your Grace's commission and a 
grant of money. We must verify. 

KING 

What does the fellow want? 

CONCHILLOS 

He wants a thousand well-armed men, some cul- 
verins and arquebuses, with a supply of ammunition 
and well-provisioned ships. 

KING 

He wants much. What did you say was his name? 

CONCHILLOS 

Vasco Nunez de Balboa. 

BURGOS 

An hidalgo of gentle birth from an impoverished 
family in Xeres de los Caballeros. 



6 BALBOA 

KING 

Does anybody know him? 

LAS CASAS 

And it please Your Grace, I know him. 

KING 

l^Quizzically.l 
1*11 be bound thou dost, friar. Dost know any 
good of him? 

LAS CASAS 

I know not more evil than of his fellow bandits who 
murder and rob in Your Grace's name in the Indies ; 
he is brave and he is daring. 

KING 

When went he first thither? 

BURGOS 

He first shipped twelve years ago with one Labas- 
tides and never returned to Spain. The bearer of 
this letter, Sire, a colonist of Darien named Zamudio, 
awaits Your Grace's pleasure. 

KING 

Let Zamudio be summoned. 

l^Exit a courtier. 1^ 
Where are the specimens of gold? 



BALBOA 7 

[Nuggets in a silver dish are put before the 
King, who examines them.^ 
Has the metal been tested? 

BURGOS 

The assayers report indifferently. 

KING 

[Mumhli/ng.'\ 
Poor stuff, poor stuff ! And where are the pearls ? 
[Pearls in a silver howl are shown him.'\ 

KING 

[Examining.^ 
Small, no weight, bad shape, no orient. Poor stuff, 
poor stuff. 'Tis now twenty odd years since the 
Genoese, Columbus, discovered these lands, and thus 
far we have had nothing from them save expense 
and trouble. 

BURGOS 

These specimens. Sire, are from the interior. Bal- 
boa reports that better will be found on the sea coast. 

KING 

How does he know that when he has never been 
there? A plague upon these lying navigators. 

CONCHILLOS 

[Showing a large pearl.'] 
This stone, Your Grace, is not unworthy of your 
acceptance. 



8 BALBOA 

KING 

[Looking at pearl.^ 
'Tis not so bad. Indeed it is the best we have 
seen, but 'tis only one. 

l^Enter courtier with Zamudic] 

COURTIER 

Senor Zamudio, the messenger. 

QUEEN 

[^Starting up.1 
From Flanders.'' 

KING 

[Sooth{/ngl2/.'\ 
No, my child, not from Flanders, from Darien. 

QUEEN 

Where is Darien.'' 

KING 

[Pointing on map.^ 
Darien is in the Indies: here it is marked on this 
chart. 

QUEEN 

[Heedlesslt/.~\ 
No messenger comes from Flanders. My husband 
bides long away. Once he sent messengers to an- 
nounce his coming. Now he sends none. 



BALBOA 9 

KING 

One will come anon. Give attention now to this 
business which has to do with the extension of your 
sovereignty in this new world. 
[To Zamudio.] 

Speak and disclose the project of . . . what's his 
name "^ 

CONCHILLOS 

Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Sire. 

KING 

Just so, Vasco Nunez de Balboa. ^ 

[^Queen relapses into her lethargy. ~\ 

ZAMUDIO 

While exploring the new countries recently pacified 
and brought under Your Grace's royal sceptre, Bal- 
boa learned from a chieftain called Comogre, that 
beyond the mountain frontiers of that province, there 
was a vast ocean never seen by white men. It 
stretches infinitely to the south and west. 

KING 

How far distant from Darien.'' 

ZAMUDIO 

No great distance. Sire, as a bird flies, but difficult 
to approach for want of roads. The track leads 
through treacherous swamps infested with poisonous 



10 BALBOA 

reptiles, and over rugged mountains where ferocious 
beasts of prey have their lairs. Cannibal tribes, 
fiercer than the lions and tigers, dwell there. Along 
the coast of that mighty ocean stretches a land rich 
in emeralds, pearls and gold. 



KING 

What proof has Balboa that this chieftain's tale is 
true ? 

ZAMUDIO 

The chief has become a Christian ; he is baptised 
Carlos. 

KING 

Um ... he may still be a liar for all that. 

ZAMUDIO 

He is our friend and does not lie. All his treas- 
ures come from that ocean. 

KING 

Why does he reveal this secret to strangers .? Why 
does he not keep the knowledge of such treasure to 
him self.'' 

LAS CASAS 

Because, Your Grace, those children of nature in 
the new world prize not wealth. The lust for gold 
is a curse they have escaped, and they know no differ- 
ence between mine and thine. 



^ 



BALBOA 11 

KING 

Some Christians who do know it seem to forget it. 

LAS CASAS 

The Indians hold all things in common and share 
alike the products of beneficent Nature. They even 
esteem it better to give than to receive. 

KING 

This apostolic disposition should be encouraged. 

QUEVEDO 

I doubt not that our Spaniards attend to that. 

LAS CASAS 

They would do better to imitate it. 

ZAMUDIO 

Balboa beseeches Your Grace to give him authority 
to discover and take possession of this unknown ocean 
for Spain. He needs a thousand men well armed and 
equipped. 

KING 

He is modest. 

BURGOS 

It should not be forgotten, Sire, that Nicuesa, to 
whom Your Grace gave jurisdiction over those coun- 
tries, was expelled from Darien, sent to sea in an 



12 BALBOA 

open boat and has never since been seen : his partner, 
Enciso, has lodged a complaint against this same 
Balboa and is now at court to plead his cause. (He 
signs to courtier to call Enciso. ) 
[Exit c our tier. ~\ 

KING 

I do remember. We will hear Enciso. Has he 
come ? 

QUEEN 

[Starting. ] 
Has he come . . . from Flanders? 

KING 

[Soothingly.^ 
Not yet, my daughter. We discuss affairs of 
State. {The Queen relapses into her lethargy. ) 

ZAMUDIO 

Nicuesa's jurisdiction never extended to Darien. 
His boundaries are clearly marked upon the chart. 
{They examine a map.) 
[Enter Enciso.] 

CONCHILLOS 

Your Grace, Enciso is here. 

KING 

[To Enciso.] 
Approach. You have lodged complaint against 
Vasco Nunez de Balboa. What is your accusation.'' 



BALBOA 13 

ENCISO 

Murder, usurpation and treason, Your Grace. 

KING 

These are big words. 

ENCISO 

Balboa put Nicuesa in an unseaworthy boat and 
turned him adrift: he has seized the power he un- 
lawfully exercises. He is a tyrant who acts without 
warrant, as though he held Your Grace's commission. 
He robbed me, Your Grace's representative, of my 
property, and after casting me into prison, he drove 
me from the colony and sent me back to Spain. 

ZAMUDIO 

Nicuesa was repulsed from Darien by all the colon- 
ists, for he had no right there. I submit. Your 
Grace, that were Balboa guilty of this act or of trea- 
sonable designs, he would not release Enciso and send 
him hither to act as his accuser. 

aUEVEDO 

Not unless he be a fool. 

LAS CASAS 

He may be anything you like, but not that. 

KING 

[Musingly. ] 
There is somewhat in your argument. 



14 BALBOA ^ 

ZAMUDIO 

Had Balboa aught to fear, he might have held En- 
ciso prisoner — or even killed him. 

LAS CASAS 

Killing is common enough in those parts. 

KING 

[To Encisc] 
What do you answer? 

ENCISO 

He dared do neither because of the sentiment in 
the colony. The people are weary of his tyranny and 
only await Your Grace's warrants to arrest him and 
bring him to trial. Here are my charges drawn up 
in due order (showing paper), of which I beg Your 
Grace to cause a hearing to be had before impartial 
judges. The list of Balboa's misdeeds and crimes 
is lengthy. (Conchillos takes the paper.) 

KING 

[To Burgos.] 
Refer these charges to Our India Council and re- 
port their decision to me. This matter must be 
sifted. I know not whom to believe. 

BURGOS 

By Your Grace's orders, a new governor, Pedrarias 
d'Avila, has been appointed for Darien, with full 




BALBOA 15 

powers to investigate all charges against Balboa and 
to execute justice. His commission awaits the 
Queen's signature and that of Your Grace. (Con- 
CHiLLOs lays the commission on the table.) 

KING 

Pedrarias is a gallant soldier. He tilts a doughty 
lance. 

BURGOS 

[To c our tier. 1^ 
Admit the governor of Darien. 
[Exit courtier.^ 

KING 

Aye, aye, Pedrarias dances an uncommon graceful 
step; though he has left his youth behind him, he is 
still called the " gallant " Pedrarias. 

LAS CASAS 

[Sarcastically. ~\ 
Just the man to govern a colony in the new world 
and to convert the Indians. 

BURGOS 

He has enrolled a company of fifteen hundred men, 
amongst whom are many gentlemen eager to serve 
Your Grace in the Indies. 

LAS CASAS 

Serve the devil and their own pockets. 



16 BALBOA 

KING 

[^Reading. ~\ 
Fifteen hundred men? This expedition is costing 
our treasury a pretty outlay. 

BURGOS 

Think of the profits, Sire. 

KING 

I do think of them, but unfortunately the profits 
are problematical, while the outlay is certain. 

[^Enter Pedrarias leading Dona Isabel; and 
courtier.^ 

COURTIER 

Don Pedrarias d'Avila. 

BURGOS 

Your Grace's newly appointed governor of Darien. 

PEDRARIAS 

[Making obeisance. ] 
I kiss your hand, Sire, and render thanks for the 
high favour Your Grace has shown me. (Dona 
Isabel curtseys profoundly.) 

KING 

We have set you no easy task but we know your 
loyalty and count upon it. Dona Isabel, do you 
accompany Don Pedrarias? 



BALBOA 17 

ISABEL 

With Your Grace's leave. 

KING 

The journey is long. 

ISABEL 

Waiting for him to return would be longer. 

KING 

There are dangers and privations. 

ISABEL 

I would suffer them all a thousand fold rather than 
eat my heart out in Spain. My place is with my hus- 
band. 

KING 

May God keep you both and give you a prosperous 
voyage. {Both bow low.) You will administer jus- 
tice in the colony and bring the strife and contention 
between these petitioners to an end. 

CONCHILLOS 

Don Pedrarias' commission awaits the royal sig- 
nature. Likewise the new edicts for the government 
of the colony and the Indians are ready. 

LAS CASAS 

I beseech Your Grace send not fifteen hundred more 
assassins to murder your Indian subjects. 



18 BALBOA 

BURGOS 

Insolent friar ! Do you thus designate the chivalry 
of Spain ? 

LAS CASAS 

I am an eye witness of the deeds of Spanish chiv- 
alry among those defenceless people. 

KING 

We labour first of all for the conversion of the In- 
dians to our holy faith. The Pope has so commanded 
us. 

LAS CASAS 

Then in God's name, Sire, send not these rapacious 
fortune-seekers who torture, burn and hang innocent 
natives to obtain their gold. What sane Indian will 
be won by such methods to embrace a religion its 
preachers do not practise.? 

KING 

This is strong speech, friar. 

LAS CASAS 

Nay, Your Grace, 'tis weak and feeble enough, nor 
can human tongue describe the horrors our people 
work in those lands Almighty God created an earthly 
paradise. 

BURGOS 

Wild exaggerations that defame our nation. 



BALBOA 19 

LAS CASAS 

Then it is strange no man stands forth to disprove 
my charges. If Your Grace will govern well, send to 
the Indies frugal, industrious emigrants who will till 
the soil and labour with their hands to develop the 
country, rather than frivolous courtiers who go only 
to exploit it to their own profit. If you would con- 
vert the Indians, send them zealous friars of apos- 
tolic life who will preach the faith, not dissolute 
soldiers who debauch and murder them. 

BURGOS 

Cease this insolent ranting in Their Graces' pres- 
ence. 

LAS CASAS 

For full five years I have proclaimed these truths 
throughout Spain and I shall continue till justice 
be done the Indians. 

KING 

Will nothing silence thy tongue ? 

LAS CASAS 

Unless you take my head . . . there is no other 
way. 

KING 

Thou settest so little store upon it, I suspect it is 
of small value. Don Pedrarias, you will have Our 
Council's instructions. Now also I charge you to 



20 BALBOA 

report truthfully upon the conditions in the colony 
and upon the progress made in converting the Indians 
to the Catholic faith. His Holiness has designated 
this bishop for Darien. (Indicates Quevedo.) 

PEDRARIAS 

Your Grace may rely upon me. (He and Que- 
vedo speak together aside.) 

LAS CASAS 

'Twere better never an Indian were converted and 
never a rood added to the Spanish realm than that 
these things be done by such means as are now em- 
ployed. 

BURGOS 

\_To the Queen.'] 
Your Grace's signature to the Governor's commis- 
sion and to the edict is required. (The Queen ab- 
sently takes the papers.) Sign here, Madam. 

LAS CASAS 

[Kneeli/ng before the Queen.'] 
I do beseech Your Grace, who is Queen of Castile, 
to protect these your Indian subjects. 

QUEEN 

[^Interested.] 
For that am I queen — to protect my subjects. 
Who harms them.'' 



4 



BALBOA 21 

LAS CASAS 

Our Spaniards who are sent thither to make them 
Christians and loyal subjects, torment and destroy 
them. They tear children from their parents and 
wives from their husbands, to make slaves of them. 

QUEEN 

Wives separated from their husbands ! This must 
not be. It is my will that these Indians whom God 
has given into my keeping shall be free. Let none 
molest them; let none dare to enslave them. Wives 
and husbands shall dwell together in peace and unity 
under the protection of my crown . . . together. 



Your Grace. 



BURGOS 



QUEEN 



Who are you? 

KING 

Our most wise and trusted president of the India 
Council, the bishop of Burgos. 

QUEEN 

Then let him betake himself to his diocese where a 
bishop belongs. Let us now despatch this governor 
— as well him as another — but the drawing of the 
new laws may wait yet awhile. (She signs the com- 
mission. To Pedrarias.) Sir, you have heard my 



22 BALBOA 

will, and forget not that I am Queen of Castile. 
(To Las Casas, handing him the unsigned edict.) 
Friar, I like thy speech. Take this and come with 
me. We will draw the new laws as thou wouldst have 
them. There must be no tears shed by my Indian 
subjects. Now I go to Tordesillas. {She rises.) 

KING 

[Protestvngl'y.'\ 
It is already night. Be advised, my daughter. 

QUEEN 

It is always night and therefore do I now go. 
Since the sun has gone out forever and I am a widow, 
there is no more day for me. . . . 

BURGOS 

If Your Grace will have patience, there is still 
business to be despatched. 

auEEN 
This is no time for business. {She rises and leaves 
lier seat followed anxiously hy her ladies.) Now is 
my marriage day at hand and Philip is come from 
Flanders. {She goes to the hier, stares and then 
sobs.) . . . His bier is my marriage bed. Life di- 
vided, but death unites us. {To the attendants.) 
Uncover the King's face. {They lift hack the pall: 
the Queen turns and scans the faces of her ladies.) 
Art thou fair? Then stand aside for he must not 



BALBOA 23 

look on thee. (She signs the two younger ones aside 
and permits the old women to advance with her.) 
Now let us get hence from this place. We go to Tor- 
desillas. Where is the fool? (A court-fool^ dwarf y 
in cap and hells, approaches her and cuts a caper.) 
He always liked to have thee near, for thou hast a 
merry wit. Philip loved to laugh. (She laughs.) 
No, no ! Get out of my sight. This is no place 
for fools and laughter. We go upon an eternal pil- 
grimage hand in hand with death. Cover the King's 
face and let a dirge be sung. (They cover the bier; 
the De Profundis is begun by the choristers; the bear- 
ers lift the bier and go slowly after the choristers y 
followed by the Queen, her ladies and the fool. ) 
[Exeunt. '\ 

KING 

[ Thoughtfully. ] 
Was ever monarch so put to it as I.'' 

BURGOS 

This business then is settled. (Gives Pedrarias 
his commission.) Much is staked on this venture, 
from which great profits are promised. 

I*AS CASAS 

Thus are kings deluded by knaves, and the traffic 
in human souls goes on. 

KING 

[To Las Casas.] 
Friar, thou hadst best follow the Queen. 



M BALBOA 

CONCHILLOS 

You have worked mischief enough by your med- 
dling. 

BURGOS 

Aye, both you and the fool, follow the Queen — 
likewise bereft of her reason. 

IAS CASAS 

She must indeed seem so to you since she loves jus- 
tice and despises money, but be mindful, my lord 
bishop, that the wisdom of the world is foolishness be- 
fore God. (To the King.) With Your Grace's 
leave I go. I call upon the hierarchy of heaven and 
all the inhabitants of this earth to witness what I 
have spoken. If Your Majesty abandons those 
countries to the tyranny of such Spaniards as have 
until now gone thither, God's curse will fall upon 
Spain. (To Burgos.) The Queen's folly leads to 
heaven, your wisdom takes you to hell. I follow the 
Queen. 

[Exit Las Casas.] 

BURGOS 

This meddlesome monk is a very pest. (To Ped- 
RARiAS.) You understand this man Balboa must be 
silenced. If there is anything in his report we'll do 
our own discovering without him. 



BALBOA 25 

KING 

\_Chuckling.^ 
I think the friar had thee on the hip, my lord of 
Burgos. 

\_The angelus rings; all rise and cross thevis elves. 
The organ is heard in the church, the doors of 
which open: simultaneously the door on oppo- 
site side of the stage opens and a cardinal in 
cappa magna, preceded by a cross-bearer and 
followed by several ecclesiastics and his train- 
bearer, enters. He raises his biretta and 
bows to the King, who salutes and joins him, 
both ascending the church steps together fol- 
lowed by all the others. A priest vested in a 
golden cope and accompanied by two acolytes 
carrying lighted candles receives them at the 
door and all enter the church, while tlie choir 
inside sings: Ecce Sacerdos magnus.'\ 



CUETAIN 



BALBOA 



Comrades of Balboa. 



Characters in the Play 

Vasco Nunez de Balboa. 

Pedrarl^s d'Avila, Governor of Darien. 

Francisco Pizarro 

Arbolancho 

Garabito 

Botello 

Arguello 

CoMOGRE, an Indian Chief. 

QuEVEDO, Bishop of Darien. 

FuLviA, an Indian girl. 

Careta, her brother. 

Dona Isabel, Wife of Pedrarias. 

TuBUNAMA, an Indian seer. 

Ayora, Captain of the guard. 

Valderrabano, a Notary. 

Executioner. 

Soldiers, sailors and men under Balboa; Spanish 
followers of Pedrarias, Indians, negroes, Dominican 
friars and brothers of the Misericordia Fraternity. 



BALBOA 

SCENE I 

At Santa Maria Darien 

Interior of Balboa's house. A large, lofty room huilt 
of logs, thatched roof showing beams; sparsely 
and rwdely furnisJied save for two armchairs of 
Spanish leather with brass nails. Weapons on the 
walls, a holy picture before which burns a lamp. 
Through an open door and window at the back is 
seen a view of tropical landscape in bright sun- 
shine. FuLviA cradles her baby in a hamac, croon- 
ing a plaintive, melancholy song. She is a beauti- 
ful young girl, dressed in soft, diaphanous stuffs, 
arms, legs and breast partially exposed; her hair 
is elaborately dressed with flowers and jewels and 
she wears several strings of pearls, bracelets, 
anklets, etc., and holds a fan of gorgeous feathers. 

FULVIA 

l^Singing.l 

Rico lana, beri lubel, 

Ferni rize, copa timare, 

Tube, Tabe, Tube. 
29 



30 BALBOA 

Tantomanel, olivero cori solare 
Tuhe, Tabe Tuhe. 

BALBOA 

Are there no Indian songs but sad ones, Fulvia? 

FULVIA 

This song is not sad. Very good song. 

BALBOA 

It sounds melancholy. 

FULVIA 

I sing to baby. I tell him he is a Spanish baby. 

BALBOA 

l^Tea$mg.~\ 
Oh, he is an Indian baby. 

FULVIA 

No, him Spanish baby and one day, bimeby, will 
be a great man like his father. 

BALBOA 

Let's look at him. He is an Indian baby. 

FULVIA 

Him Spaniard. See his sunshine hair, just like 
father's. 

BALBOA 

If he is Spanish, then he will some day go to Spain, 
far, far across the great waters — a long, long jour- 
ney. And what wilt thou do then.^ 



BALBOA 31 

FUL.VIA 

\_Doubtfull2/.~\ 
Perhaps I go too. Yes, by then I learn to be 
Spanish lady, and I go too. Tell me, Vasco, what 
must I do to be Spanish lady ? 

VASCO 

Thou hadst best remain what thou art — the pret- 
tiest, the most fascinating little baggage that ever 
bewitched a Christian Spaniard's senses. 

FULVIA 

Yes, here in Darien — but to be a Spanish lady, 
so thou wouldst love me in Spain. (A distant can- 
non shot is heard.) 

BALBOA 

[Starting up.~\ 
A ship ! She was sighted early this morning in the 
offing. (He goes to the door to look out.) 
[Enter Garabitc] 

GARABITO 

Don Vasco, a ship is casting anchor. She has sig- 
nalled. 

BALBOA 

I heard her gun. Is she from Spain.? 

GARABITO 

Directly from Santo Domingo. 



Sa BALBOA 

BALBOA 

But originally from Spain, no doubt. If she but 
brings the letters from Zamudio ; they are overdue. 
This life of idleness palls, and during long, empty 
weeks I dream of fresh conquests. Everything is 
ready for my expedition to the South Sea, only the 
King's commission is lacking. (He puts on his sword 
and hat. ) Follow me, Garabito ; I must know what 
news yon vessel brings. 
\_Exit Balboa.] 

GARABITO 

I come. 

\_Left alone with Fulvia, Garabito ei/es her 
meaningly, slowly approaching her. Fulvia 
resumes her song at the hamac. He suddenly 
tries to embrace her hut she eludes him.^ 

GARABITO 

Don't be shy, you jade; we are alone. 

FULVIA 

[Calmly.'] 
I not shy. I hate you. 

GARABITO 

I taught you differently once, when you belonged 
to me. 

FULVIA 

I belong to Don Vasco . . . your master. 



BALBOA 33 

GARABITO 

By lot you belonged to me. You were mine till he 
took you from me, curse him. 

FUL.VIA 

[Mimiehmg. ] 
Curse him, curse him. You no Spanish man ; 
Spaniards do not lie. When Don Vasco here, then 
before his face you all smiles and bows : Don Vasco, 
my friend, my captain. Behind his back you say 
" curse him." You not even Indian man ; you snake 
in the bush, alligator in the mud. 

GARABITO 

[Catching her.^ 
You taunt me, you hussy. I'll have you one way 
or another, by what means I can. 

FULVIA 

[Strugglmg,~\ 
Let me go. I tell Vasco. 

GARABITO 

You tell Vasco and I'll kill you. 

FULVIA 

No, I tell Vasco and he kill you. 
[As they struggle enter Balboa.] 



34 BALBOA 

BALBOA 

By the mass, what is this ? You dare lay hands on 
her in my house. 

[^Ile draws his sword.'\ 

GARABITO 

She belongs to me, I had her first. 

BALBOA 

Well, I have her now. Draw, you bully of women, 
or I'll run you through where you stand. {They 
cross swords.) 

[Enter Pizarrc] 

PIZARRO 

Sacramento ! Have Spaniards no other use for 
their swords, than to kill one another.? 

[He rusJies in with drawn sword and knocks up 
their blades. 1^ 
Why, Vasco, what's this quarrel about .f* 

BALBOA 

[To Garabito.] 
Get hence and never show your face again at my 
threshold. 

GARABITO 

[Recovering himself. 1 
Nay, Don Vasco, you are too hot blooded; 'twas 
but a bit of play and I meant no harm. 



BALBOA 35 

BALBOA 

I like not your play, nor does Fulvia. 

GARABITO 

The wench knows me. 

BALBOA 

Mind your tongue and be not so free with your 
" wench." 

PIZARRO 

Vasco, old friend, how often hast thou preached 
peace and good will amongst comrades, and here thou 
art at swords drawn with Garabito about an Indian 
girl. 

BALBOA 

Francisco, thou meanest well, but there is more be- 
hind than thou seest. Let him keep to his own women 
and leave my house to me. 

GARABITO 

Well, I bear no malice and am foi peace, our friend- 
ship is of old date. 

BALBOA 

Friendship has its privileges and its obligations. 
I do not expect my friends to play the libertine in my 
household. There is an ugly name in Spain for such 
tricks. Fulvia, take away the boy. (Exit Fulvia 
carrying the haby.) No more of this for the pres- 



36 BALBOA 

ent. Francisco, I called you and Argiiello to coun- 
sel. (To Garabito.) Sir, I am now engaged with 
Senor Pizarro. 

GARABITO 

[Sullenly. 1 
As you will. 

\_Exit Garabito.] 

PIZARRO 

Is it wise to make an enemy of Garabito? 

BALBOA 

Garabito is nobody's friend. If he will be my 
enemy, I cannot force his friendship. 
\_Enter Arguello.] 

ARGUELLO 

[Eagerly.] 
Well, Vasco, what news from Zamudio.? 

BALBOA 

[Gloomily. 1 
This letter. 

ARGUELLO 

And thy commission, has it come? 

BALBOA 

No. (Garabito appears stealthily listening at the 
window. ) 



BALBOA 37 

ARGUELLO 

Pest! And what's the matter now? What does 
Zamudio all these wearj weeks at court? 

BALBOA 

When Zamudio reached Valladolid, he found him- 
self already forestalled by Enciso who had prejudiced 
the Bishop of Burgos against me. 

PIZARRO 

But the King? 

BALBOA 

The King sees with the bishop's eyes and hears with 
the bishop's ears. Zamudio and Enciso confronted 
one another in the King's presence. It had all been 
prearranged by Burgos. 

ARGUELLO 

But Zamudio took money — all our treasure to 
buy the bishop. 

BALBOA 

Well, it wasn't enough ... or Enciso took more. 

PIZARRO 

The bishop comes high. Burgos doubtless col- 
lected from both. 

BALBOA 

And will serve neither. 



38 BALBOA 

ARGUELLO 

No commission for the expedition to the South Sea ! 
Cuerpo de Dios! 

PIZAERO 

Neither men, nor ships, nor stores? 

BALBOA 

Nothing. I have got nothing from the King . . . 
neither commission, nor ships, nor arms, nor men ; 
aye, less than nothing, for Zamudio has failed miser- 
ably and through the influence of the Bishop of Bur- 
gos a new governor is named for this colony who 
shortly sails with fifteen hundred men. I am to be 
tried. 

PIZAERO 

Per Dios! These stay-at-home busybodies make 
the King's service hard for us working men. 

ARGUELLO 

This finishes me. All the treasure I sent to the 
King is swallowed up in the omnivorous maw of that 
insatiable bishop. I am a beggar by this. 

BALBOA 

My friends, we face a decisive moment. I take it 
you are not men to sit awaiting for this calamity to 
crush you. Hence have I summoned you, for no 
more am I. Since the King sends me no commission, 
I shall act without one. Success will justify our act. 



I 



BALBOA 39 

while failure. . . . Well, failure will leave us no worse 
off than we are, nor shall I survive it. 

PIZARRO 

Name not the word. 

ARGUELLO 

My last ducat is invested in this venture and if we 
fail, I am bankrupt. 

PIZARRO 

Thou hast seen bankruptcy before, Argiiello. 

ARGUELLO 

I was then younger with hope ahead. This is my 
last throw with fortune for I am old. 

BALBOA 

We shall not fail. Zamudio's report from Spain 
must rest with us ; no suspicion that he has failed 
must get abroad. In this supreme moment we trust 
one another but none else. Several weeks must still 
elapse ere the new governor arrives : of them we must 
make good use. 

PIZARRO 

Whom does the King send us as governor? 

BALBOA 

Pedrarias d'Avila, and he brings his wife. 
[^E acclamations of disgust.'] 



40 BALBOA 

ARGUELLO 

[Reading Zamudio's letter.~\ 
And fifteen hundred men, many of them gentlemen 
of the court. 

PIZARRO 

Gentlemen ! forsooth, and what shall this colony do 
with gentlemen of the court? 

ARGUELLO 

Work for them, feed them, give them the profit and 
take their kicks for thanks. 

BALBOA 

Experience inspires thy speech, Argiicllo. We 
have seen such things in Santo Domingo and Cuba. 
The governor will use us — our knowledge of this 
country and the language, our good relations with 
the Indians and our experience. He'll take the glory 
of the discovery for himself and sail away with his 
courtiers to Spain where they'll divide the treasure 
amongst them. Per DiosI I'll sweat and toil no 
longer in this pest-hole to profit a lot of mincing 
jack-a-napes. 

PIZARRO 

Nor I. 'Tis no pittance from their leavings will 
satisfy me ; I am out for a fortune. 

ARGUELLO 

Well, then, Vasco, what's in thy mind.'' 



BALBOA 41 

[Balboa goes to the door leading to the inner 
room and calls Fulvia, who appears.^ 

BALBOA 

[To Fulvia.] 
Is the young chief, Comogre, still here? 
\^She nods assent.^ 

BALBOA 

Call him quickly hither. 
[Exit Fulvia.] 

I pledge you both to secrecy. {They clasp 
hands.) We stand or we fall together, for what I 
plan is dubbed treason in Spain . . . unless it prove 
successful. 

ARGUELLO 

Let us hear. 

BALBOA 

We must forestall the arrival of Pedrarias. With 
every able-bodied man the colony can muster, we'll 
start for the great South Sea of which Comogre has 
told me. I'll publish that my commission has come. 

PIZARRO 

But Comogre vows we need a thousand men and 
good arms and provisions. 

ARGUELLO 

And we have them not. 



42 BALBOA 

BALBOA 

Then we must go without them. Comogre will 
furnish us both warriors and porters to carry our 
baggage; he himself will be our guide. As for the 
provisions, we must live on the country. 

PIZARRO 

We have done it before. 
[Enter Comogre.] 

BALBOA 

Draw near, Comogre, and tell us of the road to the 
great southern ocean. 

COMOGRE 

The road very hard, but Comogre will lead his 
friends by the easiest way. 

PIZARRO 

To the great South Sea? 

COMOGRE 

And to the islands of pearls and spices ; and to the 
rich land beyond whence comes the gold the Chris- 
tians love. 

PIZARRO 

I suffer from a malady of the eyes that only the 
sight of gold in large quantities can cure. 

ARGUELLO 

My doctor recommends me to hang many strings 



BALBOA 43 

of large pearls around my neck against this rheum. 
{He coughs.) 

COMOGRE 

My people know not such ailments. 

ARGUELLO 

The better for them. They are obstinate mala- 
dies. 

BALBOA 

How many men can we muster.'' 

PIZARRO 

Close on two hundred. 

BALBOA 

Arms enough.'' 

PIZARRO 

Pikes and swords in plenty ; powder is scarce, 

BALBOA 

Never mind. We have our dogs. My brave Le- 
oncino is worth a troop of musketeers. Comogre, we 
count on you for warriors and porters. 

PIZARRO 

And provisions . . . maize. 

COMOGRE 

All that my people possess belongs to our friends. 



44 ^^^m BALBOA 

BALBOA 

We start before dawn. 

COMOGRE 

I go prepare. 

\_Exit COMOGRE.] 

ARGUELLO 

And I remain behind to face a greater danger than 
you . . . the arrival of Pedrarias. 

BALBOA 

We'll be back before them. We must meet him 
with the news of our great discovery. 

ARGUELLO 

God grant it. 

BALBOA 

Be of good cheer, Argiiello, for we shall not fail. 
We bear the cross of Christ and the image of His 
holy mother on our banner. We'll be the first Chris- 
tians to gaze upon the great South Sea. That ocean 
shall be Spanish and pour the wealth of its watery 
depths and endless coasts into the treasure chest of 
Castile. For God, St. James and Spain ! be our cry. 
We shall not fail ! 

\_Exeunt arm in arm.] 



CURTAIN 



SCENE II 

A wUd spot in a wood: tall fantastic crags rising 
amidst riotous tropical •verdure. A steep slope 
rises across the background the rocky crest of 
which forms the skyline, the Pacific ocean lying 
beyondy invisible. Rough camping outfit^ Indians 
busy with fire wood, a pot boiling over a fire. 
Spaniards reclining in extreme weariness and de- 
jection, or occupied with the dogs. Fulvia, car- 
rying her baby, is seated with other Indian women 
to one side, where stands her mule. Comogre 
stands with Balboa, Pizarro, Arbolancho, Gara- 
BiTo and BoTELLO ; it is evening and the gorge 
where the camp is lies in gloom, but beyond the 
skyline of the slope the sky is ablaze with a tropi- 
cal sunset. 

COMOGRE 

[Pointing to the ridge.^ 
From there, Captain, you will see the great waters. 

GARABITO 

From there, from there. . . . Always from some- 
where else than where we are. I am sick of this aim- 
less struggle through the jungle and so are the men. 

45 



46 



BALBOA 



BALBOA 

[Eagerly.] 
Far beyond? 

COMOGRE 

Not far beyond; just beneath the cliff lies the sea. 

GARABITO 

The same old yarn, the same old lies ; it is never 
far, this accursed sea, but we never get there. 

BALBOA 

[Enthusiasticallt/.'] 
I thought my forces spent and my legs unable to 
carry me another step, but this news is like wine in 
my veins . . . the wine of success that banishes 
weakness and revives strength. I'll not sleep till my 
eyes have looked upon the ocean ; I must have fresh 
food for dreams to-night. 

PIZARRO 

Take heart, Garabito ; we touch our goal. 

GARABITO 

I'll take heart when we touch our gold. 

BALBOA 

The gold will be ours in good time ; for myself 'tis 
glory I seek ; then will gold come to me. 

PIZARRO 

One more struggle and we shall be at the top: let 
us be off then. 



BALBOA 47 

BALBOA 

Francisco, old friend, begrudge it me not, but I 
must look upon the great South Sea first . . . and 
alone. Stay thou here with the others. Comogre 
will lead me to the top and when I have looked my fill, 
thou shalt follow me. 

PIZARRO 

The right of the discovery is thine. 

[CoMOGRE guides Balboa up a rocky path and 
they disappear.'] 

GARABITO 

[^Sneeringly.] 
Generous — our captain, heh ? We may toil and 
fight and starve in this wilderness where he has lost 
us, but when it comes to the great discovery we are 
not worthy to share it. " Domine non sutn dignus.'' 
(He beats his breast.) 

PIZARRO 

You are hard to please, Garabito. 

ARBOLANCHO 

But a moment since you were tired out and could 
go no farther. The cliff path is steep. 

BOTELLO 

Balboa is our leader and the discovery is by right 
his. Rest your bones and hold your tongue. 



48 BALBOA 

GARABITO 

He'll be the same when we come to divide the treas- 
ure, — if there ever is any. You'll see how we shall 
fare. 

PIZARRO 

Your snarl is becoming chronic. 

ARBOLANCHO 

But not every barking cur bites. {They move off, 
Garabito approsiches Fulvia.) 

GARABITO 

Come with me. 

FUL.VIA 

No. I am to be Spanish lady and this muchacho 
is Vasco's son. 

GARABITO 

[Sneeringly.^ 
You little fool ! You a Spanish lady ; you are an 
Indian camp woman like the others ; your brat is a 
bastard half-breed. 

FUL.VIA 

[Serenely. ] 
You think so? When I go with Don Vasco to 
Spain, then you will see. 

GARABITO 

Vasco will never take you to Spain, for he will 
never go himself. If ever we get back to Darien, 



BALBOA 49 

Vasco will go to prison; then you will belong to me 
again ; better come now. 

FUL.VIA 

You thinlc so. (She begins to sing to the baby.) 

GARABITO 

Drop the brat and listen to me. 
[FuLviA sings heedlessly.^ 

GARABITO 

[Angrily.^ 
I'll pay you out for this, you hussy. (He moves 
away.) 

[CoMOGRE emerges on the crest of the ridge, fol- 
lowed by Balboa, who staggers wearily; their 
figures sharply outlined on the fiery sky. ] 

COMOGRE 

Behold, captain, the great South Sea. 

BALBOA 

Thank God for this celestial vision. {He falls on 
his knees with arms outstretched towards the ocean.) 

COMOGRE 

Is it not as I told you ? Comogre never lie. 

BALBOA 

The Southern Sea ! the unknown ocean ! Fran- 
cisco ! Comrades, come all and gladden your eyes 



50 BALBOA 

with the most wondrous sight ever yet shown to man. 
[The Spaniards start up the cliffs, pulling and 
pushing one another, uttering exclamations. 
PiZAREO is first to join Balboa.] 

PIZARRO 

Wonderful I Waters without end. Balboa ! A 
vast uncharted sea that reaches away into the very 
sunset; no keel has ploughed its waters nor ground 
the sands of its virgin beaches. It shall be my glory 
to explore its splendours. 

l^One by one the others arrive, all exclaiming 
and shouting. From the dense shrubbery 
near wliere Fulvia sits, her brother, Careta, 
stealthily emerges; he is a young, lithe Indian, 
nearly naked, wearing an eagle's feather in his 
hair.^ 



[Cautiously.'] 
Fulvia. 



CARETA 



FULVIA 



[Rising.] 
How come you here? Go 'way. 

CARETA 

I come to take you back, back to our people. 

FULVIA 

No. 



BALBOA 51 

CAEETA 

You stay here, then you die. 

FULVIA 

No, 'tis here I live. 

CARETA 

All great chiefs : Pacra, Poncha and many warriors 
are now ready and they will. kill these foreign devils. 

FULVIA 

When? 

CARETA 

To-night. The sun now sets and, behold, it sets in 
blood, for before the moon lights this spot, every 
Christian shall die. 

FULVIA 

I am a Christian ; I will not go back. Tell oui 
people it is their blood the earth will drink. Bid 
them beware, for these Spaniards are as gods. For 
them the thunder speaks and the lightning strikes. 
How has it always been? 

CARETA 

It will not be so this time, for our people are read}* 
and have arms. Rather than be slaves under these 
strangers, we will all die. Come. 

FULVIA 

No. 



52^ BALBOA 

CARETA 

You no longer love your brother? 

FULVIA 

I love my boy and his father Vasco. 

CARETA 

The curse of our gods will fall upon you, for you 
forget your people and turn against your blood : then 
you die. 

\_He tries to seize her, but she eludes him. With 
a menacing gesture he disappears. Balboa 
and the others clamher down, all in high spir- 
its, laughing and embracing one another. ~\ 

BALBOA 

This news will ring through all the Spains. 'Tis 
a discovery rivalling those of Columbus and da 
Gama. 

PIZARRO 

He too was called Vasco. Thou art not named 
amiss, 'twould seem. 

GARABITO 

Well, I never heard that Columbus got much by / 
his discoveries ; he spent most of his time in the law 
courts or in gaol and he died a pauper. 

BALBOA 

Columbus was not a Spaniard. Whatever we ask, 
we'll get. Leave that to me. 



BALBOA 53 

GARABITO 

[^ A side to one.~\ 
He may be trusted to ask enough for himself, our 
cheerful captain; but what shall we get? 

PIZARRO 

Now then, my men, to supper. How is it with the 
pot? 

BOTELLO 

For God's sake don't tell us what is in that stew! 
I am hungry and I want to eat. 

ARBOLANCHO 

I had a three days' appetite before we saw the 
great ocean, now a very famine is crying within me. 
{They go to the cooking-pot ; rations are served out 
amidst talking and laughter, Fulvia approaches 

BAI.BOA. ) 

PULVIA 

[Stealthily.^ 
Vasco. 

BALBOA 

Well, little one. 

FULVIA 

There is danger. 

BALBOA 

From what? Hast thou seen a serpent or heard 
a panther's cry? 



54* BALBOA 

FULVIA 

Nay, but this place is now all around full of In- 
dians. The great chiefs Pacra and Poncha with 
many, many warriors gather near to kill you this 
night while you sleep. 

BALBOA 

Who told you this? 

FULVIA 

My brother Careta. 



When? Where? 

Now, here. 
Where is he? 



BALBOA 



FULVIA 



BALBOA 



FULVIA 

Gone. Careta, him love me and come to take me 
to safe place because our people come this night to 
kill all Christians. Many, many — like leaves of the 
forest, and you so few. 

BALBOA 

And you did not go to your people? 

FULVIA 

No. You are my people now. This Chachito my 



BALBOA 55 

son ; him Spanish baby and mother now Spanish lady, 
so she stay with him and Vasco. {He embraces 
her.) 

BALBOA 

You are made of the right stuff, Fulvia. Now we 
must make ready for our unexpected visitors. {He 
calls PizARRo.) Well, Francisco, what sayest thou 
of this day's work? Sawst thou ever a fairer sea? 

PIZARRO 

Ah, 'twas a wondrous, stirring vision. 

BALBOA 

And I have stirring news . . . news to make us 
stir. 

PIZARRO 

What news is that, Vasco? 

BALBOA 

The Indians are upon us. 

PIZARRO 

Sacramento! Sayest thou then so? 

BALBOA 

Hush! Shall we tell the others? 

PIZARRO 

Needs must. But the men are played out. 

[Balboa signs to Arbolancho, Garabito, and 



56 BALBOA 

BoTELLo to join him and Pizarro ; they ad- 
vance.'] 

ARBOLANCHO 

What is moving, captain? 

BALBOA 

Hush! I must speak with you. 

BOTELLO 

I thought we were called to supper. 

GARABITO 

I'll give better counsel on a full stomach than on 
an empty one. 

BALBOA 

The moment is serious. 'Tis not to give you 
counsel or to take yours, but to warn you, that I call 
you. We are surrounded by Indian tribes, led by 
the chiefs Pacra and Poncha ; they are now closing 
around us. {Exclamations quickly stifled.) Hush! 
don't alarm the men, poor devils let them eat a bite. 

GARABITO 

Much good may that stinking stew of mangy cur 
and palm shoots do them ; they are fagged to death 
and there is no fight in them. 

BALBOA 

There is always fight in a Spaniard, Garabito. 



1 



BALBOA 57 

ARBOLANCHO 

Whence have you this news, captain? 

BALBOA 

Fulvia's brother has been here to carry her to a 
place of safety during the attack. 

PIZARRO 

Well, we must do the attacking. 

BALBOA 

Right, Francisco ; we must strike first and strike 
hard. We fight or we die. 

GARABITO 

It will be both. 

BOTELLO 

Perhaps you will be safer with the women. 

BALBOA 

This is no time for wrangling, Botello. We know 
Garabito for a grumbler, but no one has ever seen 
him shirk. Now get the men in order, for fight we 
must. 

PIZARRO 

Without quarter. 

BALBOA 

We'll ask none nor give any. 'Tis the Indian 
fashion. 

[They separate amongst the men: instantly 



58 ~^^M BALBOA 

great activity 'prevails: men take their arms, 
dogs are put into their armour: different 
groups, each with a leader, are formed ready 
to march. Pizarro approaches Balboa, 
who holds his great dog, Leonci/no, fully ca^ 
parisoned, in lea^h.~\ 

PIZARRO 

God grant this fight may be quickly over. Our 
fellows are in a desperate plight : they won't hold out 
long. 

BALBOA 

If it is to be our last, then our bones will bleach 
on this new-found strand. Is yon hill my Pisgah 
to which I was led to view the promised ocean.'' No, 
Francisco, I can't believe it. God has led us so far 
for inscrutable purposes of His own. Are we not 
crusaders as well as soldiers? Upon ever}'^ foot of 
land we win for Spain, we plant the cross of Christ. 
That southern ocean shall bear the message of sal- 
vation in Spanish ships to unknown races that people 
its virgin shores. Ah, no, Francisco, God has not 
led us thus far to quench now the flame of hope in 
the bitter waters of disappointment. (Turning to 
the men.) Comrades, one last fight before we de- 
scend to the shores of the ocean I have claimed for 
Spain. We fight under a holy and glorious stand- 
ard. Keep well together and let there be no strag- 



BALBOA 59 

gling. Obey 3^our leaders. Make every shot tell 
and send every thrust home. Victory hovers above 
us, ready to descend once more upon our consecrated 
banner. Now forward. For God, St. James and 
Spain ! 

[Subdued repetition from the men: all march 
cautiously off, leaving the Indian zeomen and 
porters behind.'\ 



CURTAIN 



SCENE III 

While the curtaiii remains doxrni for a few mlnutesy 
sounds of firing^ Indian zear cries, Spanish shouts, 
bugle notes and the tumult of battle are heard. 
The curtain rises on the same scene. The stage 
is strewn with dead bodies, some Spaniards but 
mostly Indians. Other Spaniards are engaged in 
binding their wounds: the Indian women carrying 
water and assisting them. A number of Indian 
prisoners are led in bound, amongst them the wiz- 
ard TuBANAMA, an aged man with flowing hair 
and beard, wild of aspect and fantastically hung 
with amulets, etc. Spaniards hustle and threaten 
the prisoners. 

PIZARRO 

Tie up these devils. We'll give them a taste of 
fire. 

[^Half a dozen Indians are bound to small trees 
near together: as Tubanama is led forward 
the Indians shrink away from him: he looks 
fixedly at Fulvia.] 



fulvia 



[To Balboa.] 
Vasco, not him. (Indicati/ng Tubanama.) 



60 



BALBOA 61 

BALBOA 

Why not, little one? 

FULVIA 

Him very old, very wise man. Him knows all 
things and see everything. Not die, not die. 

BALBOA 

He should know better than to attack Spaniards. 
Die he must. 

FULVIA 

No, no ! He work you mischief with his great 
power, for he know all secrets and talk with devils. 
Dead men come when he calls and him see the end 
of the world. 

PIZARRO 

Ho, ho! A prophet is he? Well, let him now 
prophesy. 

FULVIA 

Oh, I very much afraid ! 

[TuBANAMA has 1)6671 ti6d to a tr66 with the 
oth6rs and wood pihd high around all of 
them: torches are applied and volumes of 
smoke mount, almost concealing them. Tu- 
banama's head is always visible. Consterna- 
tion amongst the Indians.^ 

BOTELLO 

Speak up, old man, and tell us what you see in the 
future. 



6a 



BALBOA 



ARBOIANCHO 

Tell us our fortunes. 

TUBANAMA 

I see the end of all Spaniards in this land. . . . 
{Laughter and cries of derision from the Spaniards.) 

PIZAB,RO 

Finished up by your people, heh? 

TUBANAMA 

My people's day is done. Your people's day be- 
gins, but as we end so shall you. From out of the 
far North, from the great lands of ice and snow 
whence came our forefathers, shall come a race of 
white-faced conquerors. In great canoes they will 
come over the waters. Your canoes shall be as nut- 
shells. Vast hosts will pour in upon you and possess 
your land and your treasures. You shall shrivel 
and perish before their oncoming as does the dry 
grass before the summer's heat. I hear their march- 
ing feet. Hark! {A distant sound of marchmg is 
heard. ) 

SPANIARDS 

'Tis the sea. 'Tis the wind. 



TUBANAMA 



Hark! (The Spaniards listen but hear nothing: 
they laugh derisively. ) I hear their music. Hark ! 



BALBOA 63 

(A faint, far away sound of " The Star Spangled 
Banner.'* The Spaniards listen again, hut hear 
nothing and moch him.) 

SPANIARDS 

What music dost thou hear? 

TUBANAMA 

The war music of a conquering host — a song of 
victory. I see their colours. 

PIZARRO 

His mind is going. Dying men see wild visions. 

ARBOIiANCHO 

Where are their colours? 

TUBANAMA 

They paint the heavens from ocean to ocean. 
Look! {Upon the darkening evening sky, the stars 
and stripes of the American flag are seen favntly 
shimmering. The Spaniards stare hut see nothing.) 

SPANIARDS 

The sky is red. The sky is white. The sky is 
blue. 

[The music dies away and the colours slowly 
fade. The flames rise ah out the prisoners.^ 

TUBANAMA 

Aye, 'tis red, 'tis white, 'tis blue : your conquerors' 
colours. 



64 BALBOA 

PIZARRO 

Stop his raving. He sees and hears too much. 

TUBANAMA 

I see the day of vengeance for my people. I see 
the downfall of the Spaniards' power. 

ARBOLANCHO 

When? 

TUBANAMA 

When the waters meet. (Spaniard laugh, shout- 
ing, " when, when? *') When the oceans join and 
the South Sea is linked with the North. 

BOTELLO 

Enough of this foolery ; stir up the fires. 

BALBOA 

Let the madman rave. His hour is at hand. Fall 
in now, we march to the sea shore and there we'll 
sleep. (Spaniards laugh and shout: " When the 
waters meet! when the oceans join! " All fall into 
line; the wounded are carried or helped along. The 
Indians carry the baggage. Balboa and the lead- 
ers in advance, the march begins. Fulvia and the 
women are last of all. Fulvia is about to mount 
her mule, carrying her baby, when Tubanama, to 
whom her brother Careta has signalled from the 
shrubbery, calls her back. She comes reluctantly 
and fearfully, approaching him. Careta rushes 



BALBOA 65 

from his hiding place, snatches the baby and throws 
it into the -flaines at Tubanama's feet: stifling Ful- 
viA, he carries her off into the forest: the Indian 
women shriek and scatter. Tubanama laughs.) 



CURTAIN 



SCENE IV 

Beach of the Pacific; a strand of golden sand: a 
stretch of glittering, blue ocean, dotted with islands 
covered with graceful palms and tropical growth: 
the scene is one of idyllic beauty, lighted by the 
newly risen sun. A bugle blast without, after 
which Balboa and twenty-six of his troop enter: 
all gaze in silence, entranced, upon the view. 

BALBOA 

Comrades, I call 3^ou now to witness the act by 
which I take possession of this ocean for Spain. 

OMNES 

Long live the King. 

BALBOA 

[To notary.^ 
Valderrabaiio, record the act. Bring me my arms 
and the standard. {He is clothed in full armour, 
with helmet; drawn sword in his right hand and the 
flag on which is painted a Madonna and Child and the 
royal arms of Spain, in his left. He advances knee 
deep into the water; dipping his hand, he sprinkles 
himself and makes the sign of the cross. Pizarro, 



BALBOA 67 

Arbolancho and Botello follow him. The notary 
has his paper and quill ready and begins writing.^ 

BALBOA 

Long live the high and puissant sovereigns Dofia 
Juana, Queen of Castile and Don Fernando, King of 
Aragon and Leon, in whose names I this day take 
real, corporal and actual possession for the royal 
crown of Castile of these seas, coasts and isles of the 
South, together with all that therefrom depends, 
whether kingdoms, provinces or cities. If any other 
sovereign or captain of whatsoever race or religion 
shall pretend to ownership or jurisdiction within 
these realms of sea and land, I stand ready to defend 
them in the name of the sovereigns of Castile, present 
and future. Let none dare to dispute the empire of 
Spain over these Indies, mainland and islands lying 
within or without the tropics of Cancer and Capri- 
corn, now and forever until the end of the world. 
Amen. 

OMNES 

Long live the King! 

PIZARRO 

For God, St. James and Spain. 

[^Continued shouts of enthusiasm. ~\ 

BALBOA 

l^Drinks of the water. ~\ 
Let this fair and untroubled ocean be forever 



68 



BALBOA 



known as the Pacific, and this elysian ^If I dedicate 
to the honour of the Prince of the heavenly hosts . . . 
St. Michael. 

OMNES 

St. Michael forever ! 

\_Some of the men have meanwhile erected a rude 
cross of giant size on the shore; Balboa ap- 
proaches it; all kneel and intone Te Detrni 
Laudamus.~\ 



CURTAIN 



SCENE V 

Same interior of Balboa's house vn Darien as Scene I. 
Balboa, Pizarro and Arguello. 

BALBOA 

^Seriousli/.l 
She disappeared the night we burned the Indian 
wizard, Tubanama. And since that hour she has not 
been seen ; poor little Fulvia and her boy with the 
sunshine hair. 

ARGUELLO 

Hither she did not return, else should I have seen 
her. I have never left Darien. 

PIZARRO 

Well, Vasco, now that she is gone, I may tell thee, 
I thought her looks a good deal overpraised; there 
are prettier girls than Fulvia in Darien ; cheer up 
and take thy choice. 

BALBOA 

'Tis not that. The child loved me and after all 

her boy was mine. I wonder where and how she went. 

\_Enter Botello.] 

69 



70 BALBOA 

BOTELLO 

Captain, the look-out reports vessels are doubling 
the cape. 

BALBOA 

What flag do they fly? 

BOTELLO 

The colours of Castile and Aragon. 

PIZARRO 

How many of them? 

BOTELLO 

In all, seven are now in sight. 

ARGUELLO 

By the mass 'tis the governor's fleet. 
\^A cannon shot is heard. ^ 
[^Enter Arbolanchc] 

OMNES 

The gun ! 

ARBOI>ANCHO 

Two vessels have cast anchor, and from one a skiff 
is pulling shorewards. 

BALBOA 

Pedrarias for sure. None other would come with 
such a fleet. Arbolancho, return to the shore and 
welcome the landing party in my name. I follow. 
\_Exit Arboi^ncho.] 



BALBOA 71 

PIZARRO 

The fleet is more numerous than I expected. 

BALBOA 

Zamudio wrote fifteen hundred men : 'tis well we are 
back from Panama to meet them. 

ARGUELLO 

My mind is not at rest: the coming of Pedrarias 
bodes ill. 

PIZARRO 

We need not receive him. I am ready for a fight. 

BALBOA 

Wrath of God, what art thou saying, Francisco? 
The man comes with the King's commission. 

PIZARRO 

We don't need to know that . . . until it's too 
late. I say fire on him. Keep him off^ till the news 
of your discovery reaches Spain. When King Fer- 
dinand hears of the Pacific Ocean and its countless 
rich islands added to his realm, he'll recall Pedrarias 
and make thee governor of these parts. That is our 
only salvation. 

ARGUELLO 

Pizarro is right, Balboa, the King will favour the 
successful, but in God's name, no violence, Francisco. 
We have already gone far, and news of our doings 



72 BALBOA 

has somehow reached Santo Domingo where they are 
calling us pirates and outlaws. 

PIZARRO 

Yes, that news was sent by Garabito. 

BALBOA 

Dost thou know this? 

PIZARRO 

By no proof in law, but I have suspicions. But he 
may rot for his pains. Let us drive off Pedrarias. 

BALBOA 

Thou wouldst counsel me to fire on the royal flag 
of Spain .^ 'Twere treason and would cost my head. 

PIZARRO 

All our heads are staked. We must defend them 
as we can. I don't trust that Pedrarias. 

ARGUELLO 

What we most need is time. The law's delays 
are a proverb ; meanwhile the news of Balboa's great 
achievement will reach the King. 

BALBOA 

[Has meanwhile put on sasJi^ sword, plumed hat 
and gloves.^ 
I go to greet the King's governor for Darien. 



BALBOA 73 

PIZARRO 

Vasco, thou art going to meet thy ruin. In this 
hour thy sun of glory sets. (He draws his sword.) 
Give the command, and Pedrarias and his men will be 
met with steel. 

BALBOA 

Sheathe and follow me, Pizarro ; I prize more thy 
friendship than thy counsel. 

[TJiej/ go out the door, but are met at once hy 
Ayora, captain of Pedrarias' guard: a can- 
non shot announces the governor's arrival^ 
sounds of distant shouting are heard, they all 
re-enter the room.^ 

AYORA 

I am Juan Ayora, lieutenant of the royal gover- 
nor's fleet. His Excellency has landed. 
\^All salute.^ 

BALBOA 

Sir, you are welcome. We were hastening to meet 
His Excellency. 

AYORA 

His lady, Doiia Isabel, accompanies him. 

BALBOA 

The first Spanish lady of gentle birth to tread 
this soil. Our welcome will be hearty, but I fear that 



74 BALBOA 

all else will be wanting for so lofty a dame. (Drum 
beat and noise of approaching crowd.) 
[Enter Arboi^ncho.] 

ARBOLANCHO 

The governor is here. 

[Enter Pedrarias, leading Dona Isabel and 
followed hy numerous suite of richly-dressed 
nobles, including Quevedo, bishop of Darien, 
and one or two ladies attending Dona Isabel. 
The soldiers of Balboa crowd into the room; 
tJiey are roughly dressed and make a sharp 
contrast to the Spanish courtiers; the two 
handsome leather chairs are quickly placed 
for Pedrarias and Isabel, Balboa advanc- 
ing to meet them.~\ 

BALBOA 

[Saluting. ] 
Don Pedrarias, I give you welcome in the name 
of this humble colony. {He kisses Dona Isabel's 
hand. ) 

DONA ISABEL 

[Aside to one of her ladies.'] 
This man has manners. I expected to see a pirate, 
but he looks like a prince. 

PEDRARIAS 

The King — whom God guard — has given me the 



BALBOA 75 

governorship of this mainland. {He signs to one of 
his suite.) Read the royal commission. 

BALBOA 

Our most loyal obedience goes in advance to greet 
and to serve you. The reading of the royal commis- 
sion, for our part, may wait your convenience. 

PEDRARIAS 

As you please. (To notary.) Let the King's 
commission be publicly read in the plaza and a copy 
thereof affixed to the church door. 

1st courtier 
[To comp anion. ~\ 
Well, this is all very different from what I ex- 
pected to see. 

2nd courtier 

No sign of gold or pearls. And this fellow, Bal- 
boa, I thought he lived in luxury and was served by 
a troop of ravishing Indian damsels. 

1st courtier 
He is a fine figure of a man. 

2nd courtier 

So so, I don't like red hair, and his beard is not in 
the fashion. 

1st courtier 
The fashion of Darien, perhaps. {They laugh.) 



76 BALBOA 

[Balboa, Pizarro and others have meantime 
looked at the commission, the seal and signa- 
ture. Balboa kneels and touches his fore- 
head with the commission; then kisses it.^ 

BALBOA 

This royal writing we accept as law and binding 
on our conscience. Gentlemen, Their Grace's Gov- 
ernor for Darien. Long live the King ! 

OMNES 

Long live the King! (All take the oath of al- 
legiance. ) 

ARGUELLO 

[To Pizarro.] 
Vasco is signing his abdication. 

pizarro 
May it not prove his death warrant! 

BALBOA 

I fear Your Excellency will find life rough enough 
in Darien, and most of all Her Excellency. 

DONA ISABEL 

I vow I like the place well enough thus far, but it 
is not as I thought to find it. 

QUEVEDO 

It seems hardly a colony of sufficient importance 
for one of Don Pedrarias' merits. 



, 



BALBOA 77 

PIZARRO 

A week ago 'twas a very pest hole of no importance, 
but Balboa has just recently changed all that. 
Darien will now become the centre of Spain's power 
overseas. (Pedrarias' people all exclaim eagerly 
and crowd forward. ) 

PEDRARIAS 

[Interested.^ 
Say you then so.'^ Has more gold been found? 

DONA ISABEL 

Or pearls.'* I am fond of pearls. 

QUEVEDO 

Or has the long-sought-for strait been discovered.^ 

PIZARRO 

No, none of these. 

PEDRARIAS 

Well what has been found .^ 

PIZARRO 

Water. 

PEDRARIAS 

[To Balboa.] 
Your companion seems to play the wit. What is 
the water he prates of.^* 

BALBOA 

The long-desired great South Sea. The ocean, of 



78 BALBOA 

whose very existence many were sceptical, lies beyond 
the mountain ridge to the south. 

PEDRARIAS 

Such reports are often spread ; 'tis not well to be 
too credulous. 

BALBOA 

My lord, two months ago, this colony was on star- 
vation rations, without hope of relief, for my appeal 
to the King remained unanswered and we waited in 
vain. The canker of idleness was eating the manhood 
out of us and despair settled stiflingly upon all. To 
save the men's lives, I organised an expedition for 
the discovery of the South Sea, with a friendly chief, 
Comogre, as our guide. 

PEDRARIAS 

Without the royal commission.'' 

BALBOA 

I had no choice — 'twas time to act or to die. 

PEDRARIAS 

A treasonable proceeding. Death is preferable 
to treason. 

BALBOA 

We were without news from Zamudio who had gone 
months before to report to the King and solicit the 
royal warrant and the necessary supplies for the 



BALBOA 79 

expedition. If I acted without the royal warrant, I 
also did so without drawing on the royal treasury. 

QUEVEDO 

That will please King Ferdinand. 

PEDRARIAS 

You put yourself outside the law. At that time, 
I was royal governor of Darien. I alone possessed 
authority to make discoveries. 

BALBOA 

The results may serve to justify my precipitation. 
I have added a boundless ocean to the Spanish do- 
minions. Fair islands rich in spices and pearls. 

COURTIERS 

[Eagerly.] 
Pearls ! And gold ? 

BALBOA 

Aye, the rivers run with gold. Moreover, I have 
brought twenty chieftains into subjection to the 
Crown, all of whom pay tribute in gold, pearls and 
foodstuffs for Spanish vessels and our colonists. 

QUEVEDO 

Magnificent ! 

PEDRARIAS 

But irregular ! 



80 



BALBOA 



DONA ISABEL 

I congratulate you, sir conqueror. 

PEDRABIAS 

Don't be over-hasty, my lady. 

BALBOA 

The revenue we now receive is as nothing to what 
will later pour in. We have hardly scratched the 
surface of our treasure-field. That ocean is the 
highway to Cathay and the eastern Indies, whence 
the Portugals draw vast wealth to the detriment of 
the Spanish power. 

QUEVEDO 

Vasco da Gama reached those lands by sailing 
around Africa to the east. 

PIZARBO 

And Vasco Nunez de Balboa reaches them by a 
shorter way across the isthmus of Darien to the Pa- 
cific Ocean. 

PEDRARIAS 

Pacific Ocean ? And who calls it thus, and why ? 

BALBOA 

Thus did I name the south sea, because its waters 
are calm and untroubled, not like our turbulent At- 
lantic. 



BALBOA 81 

ARGUELLO 

It remains to discover the strait uniting the two 
oceans, through which ships may sail from one to the 
other. 

QUEVEDO 

'Tis not certain that God has made one. 



BALBOA 

Then must man make it. 

' aUEVEDO 

Impossible ! 

BALBOA 

'Twere in fact a great undertaking, but the isth- 
mus is narrow and I think it could be done. Per- 
haps in some future day men will cut that strait 
through which the two oceans will mingle their waters. 

QUEVEDO 

What God has put asunder let not man join to- 
gether. 

PEDRARL^S 

This smacks of presumption, nor are we now en- 
gaged with prophecies of what may or may not be 
done in future ages. Senor Balboa, complaints have 
been lodged against you, into which I am charged by 
the King and the royal India Council to inquire. 



82 BALBOA 

BALBOA 

I stand ready to answer for my conduct. My 
conscience is clear of any fault towards Their Graces. 

PEDRARIAS 

So much the better for you. Meanwhile it is my 
duty to place you under arrest. 

[Exclamations and indignation. Some of the 
colonists draw their swords: courtiers do like- 
wise. ] 

PEDRARIAS 

What do I see? Violence . . . rebellion against 
a royal governor? This bears out the evil reports 
that reach Spain concerning this colony. 

QUEVEDO 

J^Intervening.'] 
In God's name, gentlemen, put up your swords. 
Would you do fratricide? 

BALBOA 

[To his men.'] 
Sheathe your swords. (To Pedrarias.) I sur- 
render mine to Your Excellency. (Gives his sword.) 

PEDRARIAS 

Who is sheriff of this colony? 

PIZARRO 

I hold the office. 



BALBOA 83 

PEDRARIAS 

Arrest Vasco Nunez de Balboa. 

PIZARRO 

Per Dios . . . / 

BALBOA 

Sheriff, do your duty. 

PIZARRO 

I'll resign my office first. 

PEDRARIAS 

Disobedience ! Cuerpo de Dios! 

BALBOA 

Do first thy duty and afterwards with thy office 
what thou willst. 

PEDRARIAS 

Strange ideas of discipline seem to obtain here ! 
The sheriff flouts the governor and the prisoner or- 
ders his own arrest. But I'll soon change all that. 
Let the room be cleared. (Ayora moves Balboa's 
men towards the door; they go reluctantly, grum- 

bling audibly.) 

I 

PEDRARIAS 

Captain Ayora, furnish a guard, and you, sir 
sheriff, conduct your prisoner to gaol. I suppose 
there is a gaol, or are we here without the resources 



84 BALBOA 

of civilisation? (Ayora tells off four armed men. 
PiZARRo awkwardly/ effects the arrest of Balboa.) 

DONA ISABEL, 

\_To Pedrarms.] 
Don Pedro, is this necessary? 

QUEVEDO 

[To Pedrarl^s.] 
Is not Your Excellency needlessly severe? Sefior 
Balboa may be trusted to keep within his own doors 
on his parole. 

pedrarl\s 
And foment rebellion in the colony. 

DONA ISABEL 

Nay, Don Pedro, the bishop is right. 'Twas Don 
Vasco who rebuked the rebellious ones. 

PEDRARIAS 

Meddle not in this affair. And you, my lord 
bishop, were sent hither to convert the Indians, not 
to hamper the royal officials in their duty. Keep to 
your spiritualities and don't encroach on my tem- 
poralities. I am governor here, and I'll have no dic- 
tation. 

BALBOA 

I claim the privilege of counsel and time to pre- 
pare my defence when the charges on which I am ar- 
rested shall be made known to me. 



BALBOA 85 

ARGUELLO 

[^Aside to Pizarro.] 
This governor begins well. 

PEDRARIAS 

The law will take its course. 

BALBOA 

I ask no more than justice. 

PEDRARIAS 

It is my mission to execute justice. Sheriff, re- 
move the prisoner. 

[^Exeunt Balboa, Pizarro, Ayora, etc^ 



CURTAIN 



SCENE VI 

The prison at Ada. A hare squalid room, with one 
heavily barred window high up in the wall: one low 
hea^y door, centre-hack; the light is dim and 
sombre; furniture sparse and rude, Balboa, in 
chains, is seated on a wooden bench. 

Enter Ayora. He lea^'es the door ajar. Fulvia 
creeps stealthily in unobserved and conceals her- 
self: she is in rags, pale, haggard and a very pic- 
ture of misery. 

ayora 



Don Vasco. 
Who calls me? 
Ayora. 
My gaoler. 



BALBOA 



AYORA 



BALBOA 



AYORA 

Against my will, I do assure you : but I must do 
my duty. 

BALBOA 

I have not complained ; nor do I blame any man 

who does his duty. 

86 



BALBOA 87 

AYORA 

Believe me, I would be your friend. 

BALBOA 

I reject no man's friendship, but I have no proof 
of 3^ours. 

AYORA 

I am here to give you one. The bishop, Quevedo, 
who leaves Ada to-day to sail for Spain from Darien, 
would speak with you before he goes. 

BALBOA 

\_Starting wp.^ 
Well, I would fain see the bishop. 

AYORA 

'Tis contrary to orders, but I'll bring him to you. 
[Exit Ayora.] 
[FuLviA creeps forward close to Balboa.] 

FULVIA 

[Weakly.] 
Don Vasco. 

BALBOA 

Fulvia! 

FULVIA 

No, do not look. Fulvia is no longer Spanish 
lady ; no more beautiful. 



88 BALBOA 

BALBOA 

[Embracing her.^ 
How comest thou hither? Poor wretched child! 

FULVIA 

I walk through the forest long, long way from my 
father's house ; no food and always afraid, oh Vasco ! 
so much afraid. 

BALBOA 

[Examining her.~\ 
What have they done to thee, poor child? 

FULVIA 

Careta, my brother, he catch me and take me back. 
There they beat me and make me a slave. Oh, Vasco, 
I no live without you. 

BALBOA 

And the baby Chachito, where is he? 

FULVLS. 

Dead. Careta kill him : throw him in the fire where 
Tubanama burn. 

BALBOA 

The brutes. (Sounds of the door opening.) 
Ayora is returning; here conceal thyself. (She lies 
under Balboa's bed cover.) 

[Enter Ayora, followed by Quevedo.] 



BALBOA 89 

AYORA 

I pray you, my lord, be brief. Were we discovered 
I should take Don Vasco's place. 

QUEVEDO 

A few short minutes suffice for what I have to say. 

AYORA 

I'll guard the door. 

\_Exit Ayora, closing the door.'] 

QUEVEDO 

Don Vasco, I never thought to see you thus ! I 
sail for Spain and shall carry with me your papers 
and the appeal Pizarro has addressed to the King. 

BALBOA 

I thank you, my lord. 

QUEVEDO 

The governor is inexorable. Deaf to reason and 
to prayers. Your sentence has been pronounced. 

BALBOA 

'Twas drawn up before my trial began. 

QUEVEDO 

You know it then.? 

BALBOA 

No one has announced it to me, but I have known 
it from the beginning. 



90 BALBOA 

QUEVEDO 

I will plead jour cause before the King and the 
India Council. You must use your right of appeal. 
Gain time, and meanwhile the news of your great dis- 
covery will have reached Spain. The King will par- 
don . . . nay, he will reward you. 

BALBOA 

The governor will receive no appeal. 

QUEVEDO 

In law he is obliged. 

BALBOA 

In this colony 'tis he who both makes and inter- 
prets the law. 

QUEVEDO 

Not so, he is but a judge like any other. 

BALBOA 

He was sent here to be my executioner. Before 
3^ou land in Spain, my soul will have gone elsewhere 
. . . may God receive it ! 

QUEVEDO 

If your enemies are active, forget not that your 
friends are likewise so. 

BALBOA 

In this world hatred prevails over love. Evil is 
believed while good report falls on deaf ears. Each 



,^ 



BALBOA 91 

slanderous word spoken by malicious or careless 
tongues weighs as a gospel text, and fools aid knaves 
to strip a man of his character. My ruin was de- 
creed by the bishop of Burgos before Don Pedrarias 
left Spain. The governor came here to finish me. 
He dared not try me in Darien and hence I was 
brought here to Ada. Moreover, the task they set 
him suits Pedrarias well, for he is a man of petty 
spites and small jealousies. It is gall to him that I 
should have made my great discovery on the very eve 
of his arrival . . . snatching, as it were, the glory 
from him. You, my lord, have witnessed my trial. 
You know how flimsy was the evidence supplied by 
that prejudiced traitor, Garabito, whose vile life I 
might have taken had I dealt with him according to 
his deserts. My friends were excluded, or their testi- 
mony rejected, only slanderers and bribed witnesses 
admitted . . . faugh ! I am nauseated with it all. 

QUEVEDO 

Nay, Don Vasco, all may yet be well with you. 

BALBOA 

Nor you, my lord, nor any man can serve me fur- 
ther in this world, but I beseech you, be zealous for 
the welfare of my soul. 

QUEVEDO 

My poor prayers are yours. 



92 BALBOA 

« 

BALBOA 

You now know the life we live here in this new 
world. We are not saints and I have many sins upon 
my soul. 

aUEVEDO 

Make your peace with God, my son, and fear not. 

BALBOA 

Only in Him do I now trust. Too much trust 
have I heretofore put in men, first of all in myself. 
When all else fails, the deluded soul returns to its 
Maker. One last service I would beg of you. 

QUEVEDO 

Command me. 

BALBOA 

Fulvia. 

[FuLviA comes forward.] 
Take this poor child into your care and place her 
in safety. 

QUEVEDO 

I'll take her safely to Spain. 

BALBOA 

She is a simple Indian maid. God forgive me the 
wrong I have done her. She loves me and has suf- 
fered for me. Poor child, I took her for my pleas- 
ure, the plaything of my idle fancy, and now in this 



BALBOA 93 

supreme hour, 'tis she who creeps back to my side 
to do me homage. 

FULVIA 

I stay with you, Vasco. 

BALBOA 

No, little one, here thou mayst not stay. The 
bishop will take thee to Spain, where thou shalt be a 
Spanish lady. 

\^He embraces her and then forces her to go to 
QuEVEDO : the door opens and Ayora looks 
m.] 

FULVIA 

[Pleadingly,^ 
No more Spanish lady now, only Vasco's little In- 
dian girl. Stay with you, Vasco, with you. 

aUEVEDO 

Farewell, Don Vasco. You are paid the wage 
Spain pays her greatest servants — ingratitude, ca- 
lumny and death. 

BALBOA 

I shrink not from death and my honour is safe with 
posterity. When history records these deeds, Pe- 
drarias will be covered with infamy, but the name of 
Balboa shall live in imperishable splendour. Fare- 
well. {They embrace.) 

[Exeunt Quevedo, leading Fulvia, who goes re- 
luctantly, looking back at Balboa.] 

CURTAIN 



SCENE VII 

Public square at Ada. In centre back rises the fa- 
cade of the church; typically Spanish gable of 
arches a jour containing bells. Houses around 
the square are low, modest buildings of adobe, 
washed with white, pink, yellow, etc., standing 
amongst tropical foliage of palms, cacti and flow- 
ering shrubs. To left centre front stands one su- 
perior to the others, having an upper balcony large 
enough for five or six persons: awnings, coloured 
blinds and green shutters on all houses. To the 
left back stands a low scaffold reached by some 
two or three steps, and entirely covered with black 
cloth; the block stands upon it. As the curtain 
rises, groups of people are discovered about the 
sides of the square, before the church, inspecting 
the scaffold, etc., some of whom are Spaniards, 
zchile others, more in the background, are Indian 
men and women. To the right front are friends 
of Vasco's, includvng Arbolancho, Botello, Ar- 
gue llo. 

BOTEI.I.O 

The falling night is sinister : see, the sun is already 

covered. 

94 



BALBOA 95 

ARGUELLO 

Aye, what self-respecting planet would lighten 
such a foul deed as we shall witness. 

ARBOLANCHO 

What a terrible situation ! Only the evidence of 
my own eyes and ears compels my credulity. 

ARGUELLO 

And must we who have suffered under Don Vasco 
stand by and see him murdered by this stinking gov- 
ernor? Madre de Dios! 

BOTEXLO 

I'll undertake to rouse the crowd and make a res- 
cue. 

ARBOLANCHO 

That were possible in Darien, but Pedrarias has 
cunningly taken care to pronounce sentence here in 
Ada and to fill the town with his own men, while 
Vasco's friends are left behind, or have been sent on 
various pretexts, elsewhere. We are but a handful. 

BOTELLO 

I'll risk it. Where is Pizarro? 

ARGUELLO 

Pizarro went to the governor this morning to de- 
liver our memorial asking that the case be appealed 
to Spain. 



96 BALBOA 

BOTELLO 

And Pedrarias? 

ARGUELLO 

Refused. 

ARBOLANCHO 

It was to be foreseen. Nothing but Balboa's 
death will appease his rancour. 

ARGUELLO 

He even refused Pizarro permission to see Vasco 
before the execution. 

BOTELLO 

The swine ! Are we not at least Christians and 
Spanish subjects? 

[^Enter Pizarro.] 

ARBOLANCHO 

Francisco! (Botello and Arguello greet Pi- 
zarro.) 

PIZARRO 

\_Moodily and with a despairing gesture.^ 
There is nothing to be done. 

BOTELLO 

We can raise a riot. There is not a man of the 
colonists who is not for Balboa. 

PIZARRO 

You forget the sneak who condemned him with lies 
and pretended revelations. 



BALBOA 97 

ARGUELLO 

Garabito ! Curse him ! 

PIZARRO 

Aye, may his black soul sizzle for this. But there 
are other . . . Garabitos in this colony. 

ARBOLANCHO 

Pedrarias has men to out-number us. Besides, he 
is the governor. Rebellion comes high. 

BOTELLO 

Damn the price. I'll pay it willingly and take my 
chances. 

PIZARRO 

Hark ! The bells. 

l^The church bells begin to toll; a procession of 
the Misericordia brothers im, dark grey 
gowns, cowled and masked, issues from the 
church door and, crossing the stage obliquely, 
exits right. The first man carries a smallish 
crucifix on a tall pole, each of the others an 
unlighted candle of yellow wax. The square 
has filled with people. The governor and 
Dona Isabel appear on the balcony, left 
front, accompanied, and with two halberdiers 
on duty. The Executioner, wearing a 
black hood, black mask and draped vn a long 
black mantle, enters and makes his way to the 



98 BALBOA 

scaffold, zvhere guards carrying halberds 
have taken their places. The people stand 
aside, shrinkingly, as he goes through their 
midst. Upon reaching the scaffold he takes 
off his cloak and stands, dressed in scarlet, 
resting his liands upon a large two-handed 
sword. The Notary, dressed in black, takes 
his place under the governor's balcony. He 
is a thin man with a high monotonous voice. ^ 

NOTARY 

Oyez, oyez, oyez ! In the name of their most gra- 
cious Majesties, Dona Johanna, Queen of Castile 
and Leon, and of Don Fernando, King of Aragon, 
our sovereign lords, and by the authority of the most 
excellent Don Pedro Arias d'Avila, governor of the 
provinces of Darien and the mainland of this conti- 
nent, sentence has been justly passed upon the per- 
son of Vasco Nunez de Balboa, a traitrous subject of 
their gracious Majesties, convicted after due process 
of full and legal trial. . . . {During this recital 
Balboa's friends have been restless: others have 
joined them and loud murmurs are heard which find 
some echo in the crowd.) 

BOTELLO 

[Loudly and angrily. 1 
Justice has miscarried. Balboa appeals to the 
Spanish courts. 



BALBOA 99 

[Outcries, drozeming the Notary's voice, Pe- 
DUARiAs gesticulates furiously, seeking to he 
heard. ] 

PIZARRO 

[^Advancing towards balcony.^ 
I call upon Your Excellency to note that these 
proceedings offend the sense of this colony. Balboa 
is innocent. 

[^Voices cry: " Innocent, innocent! "] 

PEDRARIAS 

IWrathfully.l 
How dare you, sir? How dare you disturb the 
decorum attending the execution of justice upon a 
guilty man? 

SEVERAL 

Balboa is innocent. 

PEDRARIAS 

He is guilty. He has had a fair trial and upon 
evidence he has been convicted. 

BOTELLO 

The kind of evidence that convicted Our Lord 
Christ. 

PEDRARIAS 

Blasphemer ! 

BOTELLO 

Pilate ! Wash your hands ! 



100 BALBOA 

PIZARRO 

The services of Vasco Nunez to Spain and to this 
colony would entitle him to clemency even were there 
crushing proofs of the charges against him — and 
there are none. 

PEDRARIAS 

His services have been rewarded. For his crimes 
he must suffer. 

PIZARRO 

We protest against this unseemly haste. Balboa 
appeals to Spain. 

PEDRARIAS 

Silence, sir ; this is rebellion. I'll have the lot of 
you in irons. 

[The hells have tolled at intervals. A roll of 
drums in the distance is now heard and the 
chanting of the Miserere. The Misericordia 
brothers now appear from, the left, the cross- 
bearer in advance, the others in double file 
with their wax torches lighted, chanting. 
Several guards with halberds precede them, 
clearing the way: the people fall back and 
PizARRo rejoins his friends at left front. 
Following the Misericordia come the drum- 
mers and more soldiers with pikes and mus- 
kets: Ayora is captain; last of all walks Bal- 
boa, bare-headed, his hands tied in front of 



BALBOA 101 

him. A friar walks rmth him carrying a cru^ 
cifix and talking to him in a low, earnest manr- 
ner. The Misericordia brothers group them- 
selves between the scaffold and the church, 
centre back. Pizarro steps forward as 
Balboa advances.^ 

PIZARRO 

[With emotion. '\ 
Vasco ! 

BALBOA 

Francisco, my friend. {To the others.) I thank 
you, my friends, for your sympathy. 

PIZARRO 

Oh, day of woe and calamity for Darien ! When 
you leave us we shall quit this accursed spot where 
the noxious seeds of envy, malice and lies have blown 
the flower of judicial murder. 

BALBOA 

It comes to all of us to die and none of us may 
choose the manner nor the hour. It was written 
that I should die on a scaffold here in Ada. There- 
fore am I here. 

PIZARRO 

And 'twas I who brought you to your prison. 
God forgive me ; I dare not ask your pardon. 



102 BALBOA 

BALBOA 

You obeyed orders and I reproach no man for 
obedience. 

PIZARRO 

I should have known how it would end, save that I 
was a fool. Before God! Pedrarias tricked me into 
it. 

BALBOA 

You need not torment yourself. I know you for 
a friend. To you, Francisco, I bequeath a legacy 
of conquest — Peru, the golden land of the Incas. 
To me is denied the glory of bringing that kingdom 
under the Spanish crown and into the fold of Chris- 
tendom. Peru . . . Peru . . . my dream! Yours 
shall be the reality. Farewell. 

[PizARuo kneeling embraces Balboa around the 
waist; the latter rests his hound hands upon 
PizARRo's head: rising^ the latter kisses him 
on both cheeks. ~\ 

PIZARRO 

\_With emotion. '\ 
Farewell. 

[The others crowd forward and touch him with 
choked farewells.^ 

BALBOA 

Farewell, good friends. If I have failed to teach 
you how to live, please God I now may show you how 
to die. 



BALBOA 103 

\^He moves forward and mounts the scaffold. 
The soldiers close around so that only his 
head and shoulders are visible above their 
serried ranks. Night is drawing rapidly on 
and the scene is darkening. '\ 

EXECUTIONER 

l^Kneeling.l 
Sir, I ask your forgiveness. 

BALBOA 

You do but your duty. (Speaking to the crowd.) 
Good people, I thank you all who are come here to 
see me end a life Almighty God has judged me no 
longer worthy to live. If there be any amongst you 
whom I have offended I crave forgiveness, and I beg 
you all to give my passing soul the charity of your 
prayers. I have much to repent, much evil that I 
cannot undo, but with the help of this ghostly friar 
I have made my peace with God and I go with serene 
conscience and untroubled heart to face the bar of 
His infinite justice, — of His infinite mercy. In ex- 
piation of my countless sins I lay down my life, but 
of the crimes charged against me and which have 
brought me on this scaffold, I protest my innocence. 

[^Murmurs of sympathif in the crowd.^ 
For what I have achieved, this end may seem a 
strange reward, for I have added to my sovereign's 
empire and I have given Spain a new ocean. Every 



104 BALBOA 

wave of the Pacific shall henceforth murmur my 
name, — Balboa ; its every tide shall chant my eternal 
requiem. Were I a traitor doubly dyed, its blue wa- 
ters should wash me clean. Traitor ! The foulest 
word on human tongue. Treason ! The most poi- 
sonous of human crimes ! No lesser accusation 
would have sufficed, hence was this chosen for my un- 
doing. I am but a plain soldier, defenceless against 
the intrigues of my enemies, but put a sword in my 
hand and I'll shout them a challenge from Panama 
to the Pillars of Hercules, and I'll slit their lying 
throats and send their perjured souls to nethermost 
hell. I appeal to Spain. 

[^Murmurs, clamour and shouts of appeal^ re- 
prieve, etc. Pedrarias gesticulates furi- 
ously, leaning over the balcony and shouting 
orders. Dona Isabel becomes hysterical 
and is led through the balcony window, weep- 
ing, by her attendants. Balboa disappears 
in the struggling mass of soldiers holding the 
crowd back from the scaffold: the friar raises 
his crucifix and steps down: the headsman's 
sword rises and falls with a thud; a movement 
of horror goes through the crowd. A mo- 
ment of profound silence follows. The 
headsman holds up a bloody head.^ 

EXECUTIONER 

Long live the King. 



BALBOA 105 

[People turn their faces aside, crossing them- 
selves; Balboa's friends clutch one another; 
a low sullen murmur of " Long live the King " 
answers the headsman's cry.^ 

PIZARRO 

\_Suddenly drawing his sword in the air, and in 
stentorian tones. ^ 
Long live Vasco Nuilez de Balboa, discoverer of 
the Pacific ! 

[In a whirl of enthusiasm this cry is echoed. 
Pedrarias stops his ears and rushes into the 
house. A thrilling blast of bugles calls for 
order. Uproar and confusion.^ 



CURTAIN 



II 

XILONA 

A Pageant Drama or the Mexican 
Conquest 

IN 

Four Acts 



Speaking Characters of the Play, in the 
Order of Their Importance 

MEN 

Achel^ High Priest of Yucatan. 

Fra GeronimOj a Franciscan Friar, prisoner at Labna. 

XicoTENCAL^ General of the Armies of the Republic of 
Tlaxcala. 

GuERREROj known as Holcan. A Spanish soldier 
commanding the Indian forces at Labna. 

Xicotencal, Regent of the Republic of Tlaxcala. 

Fernando Cortes^ known as " Malinche," an ambas- 
sador from Montezuma. 

Ahcunal^ Astrologer of Labna. 

OlartEj a Spanish youth, prisoner at Labna. 

ViLLAFANAj a traitor. 

Alvarado^ a captain under Cortes. 

Ortega \rr c • i. • * t i 

c, yiwo iSpanish prisoners at Labna. 

sanchez j ^ ^ 

An Indian Messenger of Cortes. 

A Senator of Tlaxcala. 

A Chamberlain. 

WOMEN 

XiLONA^ Princess of Labna in Yucatan. 

NezehuAj Her aunt. 

Marina, Interpreter of Cortes. 

NON-SPEAKING CHARACTERS 

Emperor Montezuma, Prince of Labna, Tioo Aztec 
Kings. Gentlemen of the Aztec Court. Captains under 
Cortes. Franciscan and Dominican monks. Spanish, 
Aztec, Yucatan and Tlaxcalan soldiers. Aztec priests 
and astrologers. Ladies of Princess Xilona. Citizens 
of Labna and Mexico. Dwarfs, albinos and human 
monstrosities of Montezuma's court. 



ACT I 



ACT I 

Time: April, 1519. 
Scene I. 

Hall in the Palace of Labna: architecture repro- 
duced from JJxmal, The hall is lighted hy torches 
placed at intervals along the walls, which are hung 
with painted tapestries showing Indian divinities, 
battle-scenes, etc, 

Nezehua listens at the curtain over the entrance to 
the room where the Prince lies dying; with a ges- 
ture of anajiety she comes to the centre. 

NEZEHUA 

How long, oh, lord of life? O lord of death, how 
long? Our city watches and our people pray while 
my stricken brother's life ebbs in a long agony. 
[^Enter Ahcunal, from Princess room.~\ 

Well, Ahcunal, what news do you bring from the 
prince, my brother? How fares it? 

AHCUNAL, 

Alas, lady, the gods of life and death will not be 

commanded ; no skill of ours and no power of herbs 

our forests yield can stay the spreading infection of 

111 



lis XILONA 

his wound. Our counsels are no longer prized and 
the captive priest — the white man — is now sum- 
moned to replace us at the prince's bedside. 

NEZEHUA 

\_Hopefull2/.'\ 
Our people count him wise and they say he has 
wrought wondrous cures by his healing art; my 
brother listens willingly to him. 

AHCUNAL 

Too willingly by far. This crafty one has cun- 
ningly invaded the confidence of our people and the 
councils of our State. He mocks our gods and yet 
the people venerate him : in affairs of State, his ad- 
vice is preferred to that of our most trusted elders. 
Since his companion, Holcan, has married our ruler's 
niece and assumed command of our army, the State 
of Labna is passing into the power of these vagabond 
strangers. 

NEZEHUA 

Holcan has led our armies to victory over our ene- 
mies and made safe our frontiers. As for the priest, 
I like not his talk about religion, but if his skill can 
save where yours has failed, then I say blessed be his 
name in Labna. But oh ! what distressful welcome is 
this for our young princess, thus suddenly called 
from her convent shelter to take in her child-grasp 
the reins of government now slipping from her fa- 



XILONA 113 

ther's failing hands ! Even now the runners have 
come in advance of her litter, to announce her arrival 
in the city. Achel, the high priest, accompanies her. 
How shall I tell her this sorrowful news.'' 

AHCUNAL. 

Fortunate indeed will be the presence of the great 
Achel, a man of singular wisdom and high courage ; 
he will defeat the influence of these intriguing strang- 
ers in our State. 

NEZEHUA 

Achel has trained our young princess in the doc- 
trines of our religion and in the science of govern- 
ment. She will take as her consort the young Gen- 
eral Xicotencal, son of the regent of the Republic of 
Tlaxcala. 

AHCUNAL 

With General Xicotencal by our princess's side 
and the powerful Republic for her ally, Yucatan may 
become once more united and our royal house take 
the foremost place that by ancient right belongs to 
it. Achel will guard our temples and may we speed- 
ily see the end of foreign men and novel doctrines. 
\_Enter Achel, leading Xilona hy the hand.] 

NEZEHUA 

My child ! My dear child ! 

ACHEL 

I bring hither Xilona, Princess of Labna. 



114 XILONA 



XILONA 



\_E7Tibracing Nezehua.] 
My dearest aunt! What joy to see you again, 
were all joy not quenched in the dread that grips my 
heart! What news of my father? 



NEZEHUA 

Alas! His life ebbs swiftly, and you are but 
come to see him die. 

[They embrace and weep.^ 

ACHEL 

Earth is robbed that heaven may be adorned. 
The Prince of Labna is called hence by our gods to 
sit in the celestial council where his great ancestors 
are assembled awaiting him. Upon your shoulders. 
Princess, falls his royal mantle and on your brow sits 
his crown. Amidst the nation's lamentations, your 
tears must be dried; your part is to ascend serenely 
the vacant throne from whence to guide the destinies 
of your people. 

XILONA 

Filial grief, most reverend sir, will not be so 
promptly stilled. Leave me my tears and lead me 
straightway to my father. Six long years without 
seeing him — and now I find him but to lose him ! 
[Sobbing^ she is led away by Nezehua.] 



XILONA 115 

ACHEL 

[To Ahcunal.] 
No arts have availed to save the Prince's life? 

AHCUNAL 

Our wisest healers have exhausted their skill in 
vain ; night after night, have I sought guidance from 
the stars of the firmament, but no answer comes to 
my questioning. Such silence of the oracles bodes 
ill, I fear, to Labna. 

ACHEL 

Evil tidings roll up from all quarters like storm- 
clouds that foretell the approaching hurricane. 
Strange and portentous happenings are reported 
from divers parts of Montezuma's Empire, while 
everywhere our gods are silent. Here in Labna, I 
am told, reside five strangers, — pale-faced, bearded 
men whom the sea cast forth. It is even reported 
that one has married a princess of the royal house ; 
while the other is a priest of some unknown faith, 
who preaches novel doctrines to seduce our people 
from the gods of their ancestors. While such blas- 
phemy echoes in our very sanctuary, how shall our 
prayers be answered.'^ Our prince has too lightly 
tolerated and even encouraged these unknown ene- 
mies of our race and faith, therefore offended heaven 
may take his crown and life. 



116 XILONA 

AHCUNAL 

The reports are true. Two of the five white 
strangers whom our prince keeps at his court have 
acquired dangerous influence in our State. The one 
called Holcan is a warrior, to whom none can deny 
qualities of bravery and skill in fighting. The other 
lives aloof from all human companionship, according 
to a rule of life to which his religion binds him, just 
as do the priests who serve in our temples. He has 
refused marriage and shuns women. Our prince has 
paid him high honour ; so much so, that recently no 
decision was taken without this man, Geronimo, being 
consulted. 

ACHEL 

And has our prince listened to his blasphemies 
against the gods of Yucatan.? 

AHCUNAL, 

He declares he finds much conformity between the 
white priest's teaching and our own sacred writings. 

ACHEL 

There is here much food for reflection. Like the 
poison of the prince's wound, this venom needs to be 
arrested ere it spreads to the vitals of the nation and 
corrupts its very life. There has recently landed 
on the Totonac coast a white warrior called Malin- 
che, with many followers, coming from the direction 
of the rising sun in great canoes, larger than houses 



XILONA 117 

and that move on white wings before the winds of 
heaven and are subject to guidance. Strange mon- 
sters, one half resembling a man, and the other half 
a stag, form part of his company ; and he brings en- 
gines of death that blaze forth thunder and light- 
ning, destroying hundreds of men in an instant. No 
chief nor tribe has been able to withstand this cap- 
tain's progress towards Mexico, where he seeks Mon- 
tezuma. The Emperor is perplexed and, though 
sending ambassadors with words of welcome and 
costly gifts to the stranger, he has forbidden him to 
advance. 

[Enter a court Chamberlain.] 

CHAMBERLAIN 

An embassy from the Emperor Montezuma is at 
the palace gates. 

ACHEL 

Deliver this news within ; if our dying prince be too 
far gone to receive the embassy, then must the Prin- 
cess Xilona begin her reign while her father still 
breathes. 

[Exit Chamberlain into Princess room.'\ 

Now shall we speedily learn more of the foreign 
captain of whom I spoke, for I doubt not but that 
this embassy has to do with his movements. Monte- 
zuma, sorely troubled, is sending envoys to all his 
tributaries and confederates. There have been de- 



118 XILONA 

fections ; some whose suspected disloyalty only 
waited an opportunity to declare itself, have openly 
joined the invaders. The Totonac tribes are in re- 
bellion against Mexico, and numerous smaller states 
do homage to Malinche and furnish him supplies. 
The Emperor himself is doubtful and, by his waver- 
ing, only augments the danger he should meet and 
crush while he still may. 

[Enter Chamberlain and others. ~\ 

CHAMBERLAIN 

Our prince thus wills to close his reign as he began 
it, with an act of homage to the great Montezuma. 
[Enter Ambassador, accompanied hy an As- 
trologer and suite^ preceded by incense hear- 
ers; he carries a red rose in his hand.^ 

ACHEL 

[Saluting Ambassador.] 
Blessed be the consolation your distinguished visit 
brings to this city of mourning, my Lord Ambassa- 
dor. I trust you are refreshed from the fatigues of 
your journey. 

AMBASSADOR 

I find my refreshment in your presence, most rev- 
erend sir. The Emperor has sent in my company 
this most learned magician whose celestial science has 
oft been proved, and whose singular power may pro- 
cure the benefits of recovery to the wounded prince. 



XILONA 119 

ACHEL 

' May the Emperor's solicitude be requited by our 
prince's restoration. Is all well in the empire of 
Montezuma ? 

AMBASSADOR 

Disquiet and alarm pervade all Mexico because of 
the movements of certain mysterious men like unto 
none hitherto known in our country, whose captain 
is called Malinche. 

ACHEL 

We are not reassured in Yucatan by the toleration 
extended by the powerful Montezuma to this insig- 
nificant group of strangers whom he might crush with 
one decisive blow. Deign, sir, to explain the pur- 
port of the Emperor's intentions, that we may be 
inspired by his higher wisdom and conform our con- 
duct to his lofty example. 

AMBASSADOR 

Conflicting counsels have bred perplexity in Mex- 
ico. Before disclosing active hostility towards Ma- 
linche, who represents himself as an envoy sent hither 
by a mighty king, to make acquaintance with our 
sovereign and his state, the Emperor would first as- 
sure himself of the support of vassals and confed- 
erates. Such is the purpose of my mission here. 
We are informed the prince harbours certain of these 
pernicious pale-faced men in his city and treats them 



IW XILONA 

with distinction. The fact is disturbing, for it is 
clear their noxious presence offends the gods, whom 
they openly blaspheme, and menaces the State whose 
foundations they undermine. 

ACHEL. 

I am of your mind regarding this, and since our 
prince's attachment to these insidious aliens resists 
the reasoning of his counsellors, we must invoke the 
pressure of higher powers. This learned astrologer 
may read in the signs set for our guidance in the 
stars of heaven some message that may convince our 
prince that the purchase of his own life may only 
be at the price of theirs. It were a wholesome reve- 
lation and a timely one. 

[Enter Xilona, Nezehua and others.^ 

XILONA 

My Lord Ambassador, I greet you from my fa- 
ther, who craves your presence instantly within, an- 
ticipating comfort from the pledge of confidence yon 
bear him from the Emperor. We are not wont in 
Yucatan to greet the envoys of Montezuma with 
tears and sighs, but our city is weighed down with 
sorrow ; apprehension freezes our hearts, grown 
strangers to joy. You will dispense us from offer- 
ing you a festal welcome. 

AMBASSADOR 

Your speech is worthy of this place and hour. 



XILONA 121 

May the gods grant tliat I leave Labna happier than 
I find it. 

\_Ea:it into Prince's room, followed hy his suite.^ 

\_Enter Fra Geronimo.] 

AHCUNAL 

Behold, here comes the man, Geronimo. 

ACHEL 

Ah! 

NEZEHUA 

[To Geronimo.] 
Our people praise your healing power. Now is 
the time to use it. Will you not save our prince.? 

geronimo 

Madam, my reputation exceeds my merits, for my 
skill is not great and the prince's state is grave. 
His wound is vital and past human remedy. I con- 
cern myself not for his bodily healing, but for the 
health of his soul. He has heard my words, and I 
pray that he may die a Christian. 

NEZEHUA 

\_S arc as tic ally. '\ 
A Christian? And wherefore shall the prince for- 
sake the religion of his race in the hour of death, to 
follow a strange god who is powerless to save him.'' 

GERONIMO 

That he may go to heaven. 



122 XILONA 

NEZEHUA 

Will there be Spaniards in heaven? 

GERONIMO 

Yes, they all hope to go there. 

NEZEHUA 

Then the prince had better not ; there is no heaven 
for us where Spaniards are. 

ACHEL 

The Mexican astrologer seeks guidance from the 
heavens, and the stars that govern the course of our 
prince's life will pronounce his salvation or his doom. 
Let us await his verdict. 

GERONIMO 

Vain are such star-questionings. All men must 
die, and each man, when his time is come, must ren- 
der up his life and an accounting therefor. The 
prying of astrologers and sorcerers into the future 
is but a delusion ; the stars are dumb and their pre- 
tended oracles are but cunning inventions to mystify 
the ignorant. 

XILONA 

Invisibly impressed hy Geronimo, questions Ne- 
ZEHUA aside. 1^ 
Who is the wondrous stranger.'^ 



XILONA 123 

NEZEHUA 

He is your father's captive from a land beyond the 
rising sun. 

XILONA 

[Fascinated and musing to herself.^ 
His head is crowned with gold! His face is fair 
as the lilies by the temple lake. (She regards him 
with emotion.) He is a child of the sun. 

ACHEL 

[To Geronimo.] 
Scorn not a science too high for your understand- 
ing; 'tis cheap condemnation. The heavens are the 
open scroll of the gods, whereon is written in plan- 
etary symbols the past and the future of the human 
race. You scoff, where you should reverence. Now, 
tell me, whence come you? 

GERONIMO 

From across the eastern sea ; I come from the 
Catholic land of Spain. I and my companions es- 
caped the perils of shipwreck and the yet fiercer dan- 
gers of man-eating savages before we found refuge 
here in Labna. Six years ago our caraval was 
dashed to pieces upon the treacherous reefs of Ja- 
maica, during a black night of wild tempest against 
which no ship could battle. The seething waters en- 
gulfed us all and many perished, but when the hur- 
ricane subsided and dawn broke over the tragic 



IM XILONA 

scene, some twelve of us survived, clinging with des- 
perate, stiffening fingers to the one ship's boat that 
floated. For days and days beneath the merciless 
sun that blazed upon us from a firmament of brass, 
we drifted helplessly, — rudderless and without oars 
or tackle to steer our course, or sail to profit by the 
winds. We sought in the stupor of sleep some res- 
pite from the invasive agonies of starvation ; but 
with sleep came dreams, and we wakened raving. 
From man no help could come, and God, on Whom 
we called unceasingly, seemed deaf or forgetful of 
His creatures. When the extremity of human en- 
durance was reached, our frail boat was caught by a 
merciful current that carried it to the coast of Yuca- 
tan, where a fresh stream of sweet water flowed into 
the sea and life-saving fruits hung in abundance from 
the trees. We were brought here to Labna, where 
the beneficent prince has sheltered us. 

ACHEL 

A marvellous tale, full of strange incident. 

XILONA 

It is a pitiful tale that wrings the heart. I am 
glad my father showed compassion. 

NEZEHUA 

He tells his story well — but who knows if it be 
true.P — tales of the sea ! 



I 



XILONA 125 

ACHEL 

And what religion do you preach? 

GERONIMO 

I bring a gospel of love and peace and joy. As 
one God created the earth and all mankind, so are we 
all children of one divine Father and hence are broth- 
ers, and bound to love one another. For, in the be- 
ginning God placed a man and a Avoman in a garden 
of beauty and plenty, where they were happy until 
through the woman came the sin of disobedience into 
the world. And with sin came suffering and all mis- 
eries ; love was turned into hatred, joy into mourning 
and plenty was replaced by Want. To save our fallen 
race the Son of God took to Himself our human na- 
ture and came amongst us, humbly, as a little child 
born of a virgin ; His own received Him not, but re- 
viled and persecuted Him, putting Him to a shame- 
ful death upon the cross, which is now the emblem of 
our salvation. His was the all-sufficing sacrifice by 
which each fallen soul has been redeemed, and which is 
perpetuated in the bloodless Eucharist. To the chief 
of His apostles, St. Peter, and to his successors for- 
ever, our Lord gave the mission to subdue all the 
human race under His sweet yoke. In Rome, the 
chief city of the whole world, is fixed the pontifical 
chair, from whence radiates the saving light of Chris- 
tian teaching; and I, the least of the servants of the 



im XILONA 

Church, am cast by a strange destiny upon these dis- 
tant shores, to institute here the sacraments of our 
faith by which all may become good and pure and 
merciful in this world, and attain eternal bliss in the 
world to come. 

ACHEL 

In all this I perceive no new doctrine, nor any 
higher rule of life than what we have received from 
our forefathers. By our law it is sinful to kill, to 
steal, to defraud, to covet the goods or the wife of 
another. We confess our sins with humility and do 
penance in expiation thereof. We are commanded 
to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked and to visit 
the sick, remembering that all men are one flesh and 
brothers. We adore one supreme god and creator 
of all things and we have his law by which we shall be 
saved and forever united to him. To him we offer 
sacrifice, for to the lord of life, is life due. 

GERONIMO 

The devil apes holiness, the better to beguile un- 
wary souls to destruction ; throughout this land, un- 
clean altars reek with human blood ; hourly the cries 
of the victims, slaughtered in Satanic orgies, call for 
vengeance on the ministers of these inhuman rites. 
God ! Why dost thou allow the devil to be so hon- 
oured ill this fair land ! 



XILONA 127 

ACHEL 

You proclaim yourself a man of peace, but your 
kinsmen invade our neighbouring states with the fury 
of devils and an insatiable greed for riches, like unto 
the ravening hunger of wild beasts. You discourse 
of love and purity while they bring us hatred and 
lust. The evidence of your doctrine is hard to find 
in the practices of your countrymen. Your pontiff 
enthroned in distant Rome we know not, for I am 
pontiff in Yucatan ; but we know the Spaniards' god 
— his name is gold. {Mockingly.) Hallowed be 
thy name, O gold ! We have parrots in Yucatan 
who talk better sense than you. 

NEZEHUA 

Don't talk to him. These wranglings over religion 
are wearisome. Each nation has its own gods, and 
surely ours are as good as any others. Novelties in 
religion should be discouraged. 

XILONA 

His speech is strange, but I like his words. I 
would speak with him and hear more. 

NEZEHUA 

Do not speak with him ; or, if you must, bid him 
be silent and stop insulting our gods. It brings 
bad luck. 



128 XILONA 

ACHEL 

You must not speak with him. He is a prisoner 
and a blasphemer. 

XILONA 

It is my will to speak with him — alone. (Mo- 
tioning the others aside, she approaches Geronimo.) 
You are the messenger of a new god? 

[AcHEL and Nezehua retire to one side watch- 
ing suspiciously. J^ 

geronimo 

I am the messenger of the supreme and only God, 
Who is not new, but is from the beginning and for all 
eternity ; His law is love. 

XILONA 

\_Ec statically.'] 
His law is Love ! The god of love is supreme, and 
you are his messenger to me. Do you bring me love ? 

GERONIMO 

Divine love that passeth understanding; not the 
baser passion men know, but the love of holiness that 
endureth forever. 

XILONA 

[Puzzled.] 
Not man's love.? I do not understand. Will you 
teach me this new love.'' 



XILONA 129 



GERONIMO 

Willingly. Such is my mission. 



XILONA 

I have listened to your speech with Achel. Three 
days' journey from here, in the depths of the forest, 
there stands a holy temple where I have ministered as 
priestess at the shrine. While there, I chanced upon 
an ancient book, wherein are written things of our 
religion — of the religion of our earliest forefathers 
— very like to what you told him. In that ancient 
book, it is written that human sacrifice is abhorrent 
to the creator of all things ; the early law of our re- 
ligion knew no sacrifice of men but commanded that 
fruits, flowers and honey should be laid upon the al- 
tar, while the sweet smoke of incense bore heaven- 
wards our prayers. Later, when our temple rites 
came under the rule of the Aztec priests, were human 
sacrifices first ordained. (She produces book. ) Now 
listen to this prophecy on which I have often pon- 
dered. (She reads. ) " At the close of the thirteenth 
age of the world, the sign of the Lord of the sky will 
appear and the cross will be seen by the nations of 
men. Receive well the bearded guests who are com- 
ing, for they shall be as fathers and brothers to 
you." We are now in the thirteenth age. What say 
vou? 



130 XILONA 

GERONIMO 

This wonderful book speaks the truth, and the 
workings of God's spirit are mysterious. This mes- 
sage is divine and was delivered to your people by a 
sage of olden times, inspired like the prophets of 
Israel or the sibyls of the Gentiles. To you is the 
message ; you see the light, Princess ! The voice of 
nature and the voice of God speak to your soul. 
Hear them and obey. 

XILONA 

I am but a girl. What can I do against the 
priests ? 

GERONIMO 

You are a princess, and you will shortly rule this 
land. 

XILONA 

In things of religion the ruler must obey the 
priests. 

GERONIMO 

Your priests are slaves of the devil and teach the 
lies of hell. You are the shepherd of your people 
and must defend them against the ravening beasts 
that feast on their flesh and blood. Achel is Satan 
incarnate. 

XILONA 

Achel is powerful. All Yucatan pays him rever- 
ence, and I — I fear him, I fear him much. Even the 



XILONA 131 

dead hear and obey his voice. (Enter Ambassador, 
Astrologer and his suite,) 

\_To Ambassador, indicating the Astrologer.] 
Does this wise man read good or evil in the oracles 
of heaven .^^ 

ambassador 

The stars have answered his questioning. Their 
message is clear, and gives hope for your father's 
life. The gods of Anahuac are offended by the sac- 
rilegious presence of their enemies in Yucatan. 
Your father has sheltered blasphemers against our 
faith, and hence he is stricken. Penance and sacri- 
fice are required to appease the wrath provoked 
against the land ; otherwise your father's life is for- 
feited. 

XILONA 

What is to be done ? 

AMBASSADOR 

Your father has ordered the sacrifice of thre** 
white captives at dawn. 

ACHEL 

[Triumphantly.^ 
Only thus will the favour of the gods return to 
Yucatan and Mexico. 

XILONA 

[Starting and looking toward Geronimo.] 
And this man — ? 



13^ XILONA 

AMBASSADOR 

Not he, but three of his companions. 

ACHEL 

Not he? (Significantly.) Not yet! 

XILONA 

Must this sacrifice be offered? Is there no other 
way? 

AMBASSADOR 

The gods so will it ; the stars have answered, and 
at dawn the captives die. 

\_Ea:eunt all, save Geronimo and Xilona.] 

GERONIMO 

Will you permit this hideous massacre in the name 
of religion? Shall my hapless companions thus die 
in obedience to the murderous intrigues of these false 
priests? The truth stirs your soul and cries aloud 
to you. Oh, be heedful to its voice and stop this 
crime. 

XILONA 

[Distressed.'] 
But my father's life ! If it is to be thus saved then 
am I powerless against tliis decree. 

GERONIMO 

Nothing can prolong your father's life an hour, 
for he will die before another sun has set. This is but 



XILONA 133 

a plot between the Mexicans and Achel to destroy 
my companions — and also me, could they but com- 
pass it. Go you to your father, plead with him ; get 
this decree revoked. He does not seek our death — 
he is overborne by the priests. (He kneels to her.) 
See ! I kneel to implore this mercy. 

XILONA 

When I look upon your face and hear your voice, 
I can refuse you nothing. I care naught for the 
words of Montezuma's astrologer. My father's 
spirit goes hence and I shall reign in Labna. You 
have been his prisoner but I will give you liberty, I 
will make you a free man. Freedom is sweet ; it is 
like strong wine in the veins, it is like the wondrous 
air of high mountain tops. 

GERONIMO 

It is for my countrymen I plead ; give life and 
freedom to them ! 

XILONA 

I do not yet rule here. I must beg my father to 
let them go hence ; perhaps he will not refuse me. 
And you, love's messenger, you will remain with me 
and together we will teach my people the pure re- 
ligion of olden times. 

GERONIMO 

Save my countrymen, and I will do all you ask. 



134 XILONA 

XILONA 

I ask you to rise and stand by my side ; I ask you 
to cast off that rough garment and drape your form 
in soft stuffs woven in fair colours and threads of 
gold. I ask you to set upon your hair a circle of 
turquoise to match the azure of your eyes. I ask 
you to bind golden sandals on your feet, and clasp 
their scarlet thongs with topaz. I ask you to sit be- 
side me on my tiger-throne of jade — 

GERONIMO 

l^Interrupting.l 
Princess Xilona, you must not speak these words 
to me — I may love no woman, for I am a priest for- 
ever and am consecrated to higher things. Name 
not such conditions. 

XILONA 

You have promised to teach me love. You are the 
messenger of the god of love. Your god and mine, 
are they not the same.^ 

[Exit into Prince's room, Geronimo looking 
after her.] 



Scene II 

The next morning. 

Before daybreak. In the centre of the stage is a 
pyramidal structure on which stands the temple. 



XILONA 135 

Sacred -fires hum before the arched entrancey 
through which a great idol and a stone of sacrifice 
are perceptible. Background is a. city amidst a 
tropical forest of palms and gorgeous flozvering 
trees, etc. 

Fra Geronimo is standing to one side, with clasped 
hands in prayer. 

Enter Indian messenger from Cortes. He unties a 
letter carried in his hair and gives it to Geronimo. 

MESSENGER 

I bring this from the great captain, Malinche. 

GERONIMO 

[Reading. '\ 
A letter, a Spanish letter ! A ship sent by Fer- 
nando Cortes awaits us at the river's mouth — lib- 
erty once more, and amongst my own people! {To 
the Messenger.) You have a boat.'' 

MESSENGER 

My canoe is concealed near by; it will carry six 
men. I come from the great ship where Malinche 
commands the waters and the thunder and lightning. 
I am ready to take you there. 

GERONIMO 

One day too late ! Just heaven ! my luckless com- 
panions are led to death while I go back to life ! 
[Enter Guerrero.] 



136 XILONA 

[Calling him.J^ 
He at least may be saved. (Showing him the let- 
ter. ) A Spanish captain called Fernando Cortes has 
arrived off the coast with a fleet of ships from Cuba, 
and sends his letter by this Indian, whose canoe will 
take us safely to the vessel that awaits us at the 
river's mouth. 

GUERRERO 

[Gloomily.} 
I will not go. Look at me — my tattooed face — 
am I a Spaniard.^ No, I am Holcan, a Maya. Here 
in Yucatan I command armies ; I have a wife of the 
ruling house, I have two boys whom I love. Is it 
better to hunger and thirst among Spaniards than to 
feast on plenty with Mayas .'^ 

GERONIMO 

Spain is your mother and Spaniards are your 
brethren. Will you forsake your Christian heritage 
to live amongst heathen cannibals.'' 

GUERRERO 

I will not go. A sorry mother was Spain to me; 
my Spanish brethren were my masters, I their slave. 
The first I knew of liberty, of kindness and of love, 
I learned here amongst these heathen. Look you, 
Fra Geronimo, am I not a husband and a father? 
Neither religion nor nature counsel me to des^'t my 
wife and boys. In all the wide world, there is no 



XILONA 137 

living being who cares for me, save only them. God 
gave them to me, and I must keep them. I will not 
go. 

GERONIMO 

Think on the fate of our companions who die at 
dawn on Satan's altar. Can you witness this ghastly 
sacrifice unmoved, and still live on amongst these 
devil-worshippers who feed on Spaniards' flesh.'' 
Neither your wife nor your sons can you save — for 
they are pagans ; — come away with me, to your own 
kind, to our country's service and to our God. 

GUERRERO 

Go you, friar, if you will, but I stay here. I will 
not be a thing of mockery amongst Spaniards. And 
ere we part forever, give me a solemn pledge. The 
Spaniards must never know of my existence. I am 
no longer one of them. You and I have shared dan- 
gers together and I have saved you from death. Now 
pay your debt. Swear upon this cross (he grasps 
the crucifix hanging from Geronimo's girdle) that 
you will never speak my name to this Spanish captain 
and his men. 

GERONIMO 

[Sadl^.l 
Since you will not come, it is better they should 
never know. (He kisses the crucifix.) I swear to 
keep your secret. (To the messenger.) Have your 
canoe ready, and I will join you within an hour. 



138 XILONA 

\_Ea:it m^ssenger.^ 

[The Prince is carried in on his litter with 
XiLONA and Nezehua, all his court surround- 
ing Mm. They take their places. The Aztec 
Ambassador and his suite appear; at the bach 
and all around the sides of the great pyramid^ 
people group themselves, representing a large 
crowd, to assist at the ceremony. Several 
minor priests are on the pyramid busy with 
preparations. The great drum, is beaten sol- 
emnly. Fra Geronimo remains alone, oppo- 
site the court group, at the foot of the pyra- 
mid. Sounds of chanting and religious music 
of drums and trumpets are heard annoumcing 
a procession, which comes on. It consists of 
pri€sts of all grades, in their proper vestments 
and carrying idols, religious emblems and ban- 
ners; young men and girls strew 'flowers be- 
fore them. Finally Achel, in full pontificals, 
appears, behind whom the three Spanish Cap- 
tives, wearing garlands and led by chains of 
Howers. Otherwise they are as naked as pub- 
lic prejudice will allow. Achel mounts the 
steps of the pyramid with great dignity, and 
is received by the waiting priests at the top. 
Some ceremonies with incensing of the idol, 
etc., follow; after which he advances to the top 
of the stairs and calls for the victims to be 



XILONA 139 

led up. These men are two distinct types; the 
first is a simple, pious man of the people, a 
sailor. As he passes Fra Geronimo, he halts 
and kneels. '\ 

1st captive 

[To Geronimo.] 
Thy blessing, friar. In distant Pales my mother 
prays and waits for me, but I shall never come. 
(He takes a medal from his neck.) She gave me 
this. Take it, and some day, if you may, give it back 
and tell her — (He breaks down, sobbing, and is led 
up to the temple steps, disappearing into the arch of 
the sanctuary.) 

[The second is a rough, devil-may-care type of 
fellow; of no family, with no ties, and no re- 
ligion. ] 

GERONIMO 

[Stopping second captive.^ 
My son, do you go unshriven to death? 

2nd CAPTIVE 

[Laughing recklessly.'] 
Keep your doggerel for less knowing ones, friar. 
Unshriven have I lived, unshriven I shall die. Spain. 
. . . Oh, Spain ! Ten thousand curses on her and 
on her people ! I was kidnapped and shipped hither ; 
for ten years I have roamed the seas and islands of 
this western world, kicked and cuffed and starved by 



140 XILONA 

Spaniards. These Indians have at least fattened me, 
so now let them eat me. No shrivening for me, friar, 
and a plague on you and on your prayers ! (He 
swaggers up the steps and disappears within.) 

[Last comes Olarte, a hoy of eighteen, and 
Fra Geronimo's favourite, whom he has 
trained and taught. He tries to hear up, 
hut the sight of the fate of the other two has 
unmanned him. He hreaks from his leaders 
and rushes to Fra Geronimo, throwing him- 
self at his feet, hurying his face in his rohe 
and hegging hysterically for protection. 

geronimo 

My son, this is the most glorious day of all thy 
brief life. It witnesseth thy election to a place in 
that noble army of martyrs whose blood has ever 
been the seed of the Church. From the miseries and 
uncertainties of this poor world, thy spirit is now 
called hence in no ordinary or ignoble manner, but 
by a divine invitation, for which all generations of 
Catholic men shall name thee " blessed." How many 
of thy companions hast thou seen end their unprofit- 
able lives obscurely, even without the last conso- 
lations of our holy religion to purge their souls from 
the stains of their crimes? How many furnished 
food for the monsters of the sea.'' How many were 
torn and devoured by beasts and birds of prey.^* 
How many have perished miserably of fevers and 



XILONA 141 

wasting diseases? {He raises Olarte to his feet 
and stands him apart; then, falling on his knees be- 
fore him.) Hail, Christian martyr! Pour out thy 
young blood joyously and generously upon the pagan 
soil of this new world from which millions of wit- 
nesses to our holy faith shall spring — a rich har- 
vest from thy fruitful seed, nobly sown 1 Through 
thy sacrifice to-day is the power of the demon shat- 
tered in this land, and yonder blood-stained shrine 
of Satan transformed into the pearly gates of para- 
dise ! I see upon thy brow the sacred sign of God's 
chosen ones and about thy young head burns the 
radiant nimbus of His Saints. Bless me. His un- 
worthy servant, ere thou goest hence to wear the 
martyr's crown, for thou art chosen and I am left! 
[Olarte bends forward and embraces him; 
then, with his face radiant and full of enthu- 
siasm, he steps forward alertly, quickly as- 
cends the steps and, on reaching the top, he 
turns, signs himself, stretches aloft his arms 
and cries — ] 

OLARTE 

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. 

[He disappears into the temple and is sacri- 
ficed. ] 

[Enter Cortes' Indian Messenger, approaching 
Fra Geronimo and speaking to him aside.^ 



142 XILONA 



MESSENGER 



My boat is ready and it is now time ; for before the 
sun marks noon we must be out at sea. Come away 
quickly while all here are engaged in the sacrifice. I 
shall await thee in the ceiba grove. 

[Fra Geronimo nods assent. Exit Messen- 
ger.^ 

[AcHEL emerges from the sanctuary, hearing 
a golden salver^ on which are three smoking 
hearts. He solemnly elevates them towards 
the rising sun with hieratic gesture. All 
{save Geronimo) fall on their knees; clouds 
of incense salute the elevation; also chant- 
ing and the soumd of the great drum. The 
stage is now hathed in brilliant light, with 
cloud effects of dawn.^ 

[^Pronouncing in chant tones the prayer of the 
offertory.^ 



ACHEL 



Oh, almighty creator of all things, by whose provi- 
dence we are sustained and preserved, and who givest 
life unto mankind, grant unto us thy servants out of 
thy singular bounty all our needs, that we may en- 
joy thy clemency, sweetness and love; have mercy 
upon us and open the hands of thy pity above us. 
Thou who art all powerful to destroy the heavens 



XILONA 143 

and the earth, look down in mercy upon these, thy 
people, and vouchsafe to accept their sacrifice and 
to lead them by ways of purity and penance unto 
life everlasting. 

[^He descends the steps, accompanied by the 
Priests who support his robes, and ap- 
proaches first the Prince, whose attendants 
car ef idly raise him upon his litter. 
All merciful God, who knowest the secrets of all 
hearts, consider not, we beseech thee, the sins of thy 
people by which, in the weakness of their flesh and 
will, they have offended thee and merited thy punish- 
ment, but rather accept their tears of repentance 
and let thy pardon descend upon them like sweet 
waters rained from heaven to wash away the stains 
of their sins. (Giving him the flesh.) Receive this 
the very true flesh of our God for the healing of thy 
soul unto the life everlasting. 

\_A small piece is administered to the Prince, 
whose head droops and rolls weakly; next to 
XiLONA, who hesitates, shows some repug- 
nance, but receives it finally on her tongue. 
Fra Geronimo has watched her with sup- 
pressed excitement, striving almost to hyp>- 
notise her.'\ 

GERONIMO 

The curse of Rome upon your soul for all eter- 
nity ! For this filthy travesty of a holy rite, shall 



144 XILONA 

you pay the price, Princess of Labna ! Like Jezebel 
of old, whose blood was lapped by dogs, shall you be 
brought low; for as you have fed on human flesh, so 
shall your body furnish food for vultures. 

[XiLONA shrinks and cowers as she hears this 
propheci/. Achel. has meanwhile approached 
Guerrero, who kneels with the otliers^ hut 
just as he is about givi/ng him the communion 
Fra Geronimo rushes forward in a frenzy of 
indignation, dashes the golden salver to the 
ground and, standing menaeingly over Guer- 
rero, cries,'\ 
Oh, what monstrous and inhuman sacrilege do my 
eyes behold ! Thou foul and loathsome beast, by 
what devil begot and in what vile slime wast thou 
spawned to feed upon the flesh of thy fellow men ! 
I knew thee for a traitor and a renegade ! I sus- 
pected thee for an apostate, but not while I stand 
here shalt thou become a cannibal. A lower circle is 
to-day created in nethermost hell to house thy un- 
natural soul — Go hence and tenant it ! 

[He strikes Guerrero to the earth. Great 
outcries and confusion follow. TJie Prince 
dies, and Fra Geronimo rushes off after the 
messenger. ~\ 

CURTAIN 



ACT II 



ACT II 

Time, two months later. At sv/nset. 

Scene I 

XlLONA ; NeZEHUA ; ACHEL. 

The garden of the palace at Lahna. Tropical foli- 
age, orchids, flowering creepers, etc., amidst which 
are perceived one or two characteristic images of 
gods richly carved; pyramids and towers of the 
city seen heyond the garden wall. To the left 
front is a marble seat, over which a rich cam,opy, 
like a huge parasol, is suspended from a hough; on 
the ground before the seat are spread leopard 
skins, and part of a fountain basin is seen, in 
which are swans, and rose-coloured flamingoes. 
The Attendants, two or three women and young 
pages, are grouped at some distance in the back- 
ground at the right. 

XiLONA is seated under the canopy, reading a book. 
Nezehua, seated on a leopard skin, embroiders. 

NEZEHUA 

Listen to the song of the coyol-bird. Now I won- 
der what he says. 

147 



148 XILONA 

XILONA 

That golden-throated coyol-bird tells me each day 
what flower has bloomed in my garden for my de-^ 
light. He is the voice of the flowers, for the flowers 
cannot speak to us — they only whisper to one an- 
other. 

NEZEHUA 

Is he not rather the voice of love? 

XILONA 

l^Impatientl^.l 
I do not think of love. 

NEZEHUA 

No.f* But is it not at sunset you are to see Xico- 
tencal and fix your marriage day.? 

XILONA 

It is not yet sunset, and I don't want to talk about 
that. Marriage does not interest me. 

NEZEHUA 

A wise woman interests herself in the inevitable — 
at least to the extent of preparing for it. Achel has 
surely made you understand that your marriage is 
inevitable ? 

XILONA 

What does Achel know about marriage — or — 
or love.? He has never loved anybody, not even him- 



XILONA , 149 

self. Achel is not a man — he is a power. (She 
reads.) 

NEZEHUA 

Why do you weary your eyes over that ancient 
writing, Xilona? It seems to bring you no comfort, 
but great disquiet. It must be poetry. 

XILONA 

No, it is not poetry — it is prophecy. There are 
many wonderful things written in this book — things 
our people no longer know and which the priests 
keep from them. In those early days when our fore- 
fathers built the great May a, cities, our altars were 
unstained by human blood. There is a prophecy in 
this book, which says that those times shall return 
once more and the pure worship of one supreme god 
be established again by men who, like our first an- 
cestors, should come from the rising sun. Listen. 
(She reads from the book.) " And Quetzalcoatl 
prophesying said : Because this people is not wor- 
thy to receive my message, I go hence to my master 
in the land of Tlapallan, but my followers, like unto 
me, shall hereafter come and smite this perverse na- 
tion and destroy it. They shall overturn its altars, 
polluted with human blood, and restore the religion 
I have taught." 

NEZEHUA 

It sounds quite revolutionary, and I hope it won't 



150 XILONA 

happen in my time. It is not well for women to tor- 
ment their minds about such matters. The inter- 
pretation of prophecies is for the priests — not for 
us. 

XILONA 

I am not only a woman, I am also a princess. 

NEZEHUA 

The government of your state is surely care 
enough, without prying into prophecies. 

XILONA 

I believe the hour of their fulfilment is at hand. 
Men have come to us from beyond the rising sun: 
men like gods, who teach the very things the prophe- 
cies foretell. Never shall I forget that morning at 
the temple ! That youth, who seemed to rise like a 
spirit of the dawn, on wings of light, upon whose 
head there rested a radiance not of this world. And 
Geronimo, the captive priest, how he burst into the 
ceremony and, with magnificent fury, struck Holcan 
to the earth! He seemed a sun-god. 

NEZEHUA 

Yes, and cursed you before all the people, the in- 
solent vagabond ! Call you that the fulfilment of 
prophecies ? 

XILONA 

Yes, he cursed me and said — oh, what horrible 



XILONA 151 

things he said to me ! Will they come true ? Neze- 
hua, do you think the horrible things he said will 
come true? Is he a prophet? 

NEZEHUA 

I have heard too many prophets rave to have much 
faith in them. It is best not to listen to prophets, 
for they always say uncomfortable things. Things 
that are quite wild and better not heard. 

XILONA 

But the vultures ! the black vultures that are to 
tear my flesh ! I seem to hear the rush of their 
wings over my head, and when a shadow falls across 
my path, I am startled and look to see those birds of 
evil hovering above me. Three times have I dreamed 
I lay as a dead woman lies — white and cold, with 
glassy, staring eyes — but eyes that could see — 
could see the great black bird with outstretched 
wings, dropping silently like a pall upon my body — 
I could see but could not cry out. Almost I felt the 
beak dig into my heart ! Ah, Nezehua, will this 
come true? 

NEZEHUA 

[Comforting her.~\ 
No, no, my sweet. How can such cruel sayings 
come true? Oh, could I but put my hands upon that 
man Geronimo ! I always knew some evil would 



152 



XILONA 



come of his presence amongst us, and I begged your 
father to get rid of him. 

XILONA 

I have tried to hate him, but I cannot. His wrath 
was divine, and so exalted his beauty I could have 
thrown myself at his feet before everybody. But I 
ought to hate him — I will hate him, for he has gone 
and left me with no one to guide me, just when I most 
need him. 

NEZEHUA 

No one to guide you ! Why, child, what do you 
say.f^ Achel is with you. 



XILONA 



[ Wearily. ] 
Achel ! Achel ! I have come to fear him. 
you think Achel is a good man? 



Do 



NEZEHUA 



I don't know about him being a good man — he is 
a good priest. wA 

XILONA 

He wields a power over me I cannot fathom, and 
he sways my will by the glance of his piercing eyes. 
He seems to read my very soul ; while in his presence 
all my thoughts scatter like dead leaves before the 
breath of a hot wind. Do you know? — he sees 
things that happen far away and he hears voices to 



XILONA 153 

which we are deaf. By power of magic he can con- 
trol the elements, raise tempests, blight crops, be- 
witch men's wits and foretell the future. When he 
speaks, all obey — aye, even the dead must come 
when he summons them. 

NEZEHUA 

Well, that is his business, for he is a priest, and 
all the more reason why you should keep him for 
your friend. But I don't like this calling back the 
dead, and if I were you I would make a law forbid- 
ding it. Just think if this practice became general ! 
See ! We speak of him, and here he is. (Indicating 
the garden entrance.) 

\_Enter Achel hy the garden door.~\ 

ACHEL 

[Saluting. ] 
Outside the gates of your fragrant bower there 
paces with restless tread your lover, Xicotencal. 
To-day at sunset you promised him his answer. 
Shall he .enter .'^ 

XILONA 

[Sighing.^ 
It is not yet sunset. I like him well, Xicotencal 
— and vet — Oh, I don't want to talk about mar- 
riage. 

ACHEL 

Where amongst the peoples of Yucatan and all 



154 XILONA 

Analiuac will you find his peer? Is he not the no- 
blest formed amongst men? His lithe, sun-kissed 
body is like the silken flanks of the deer ; his raven 
hair falls like a mantle of night above his noble brow, 
and his eyes, now tender as the gentle doe's, now 
flashing as the eagle's piercing orb, are fit to woo a 
queen or rule a nation. He is a fit mate for any 
princess living. In war, he is the leader of his peo- 
ple; in peace, their trusted counsellor. 

XILONA 

You have not half numbered his qualities and 3'^et 
you weary me. I know he is a great warrior who 
only lacks a crown to be a king. 

ACHEIi 

You have the crown, and your people cry for a 
king. Alone you cannot rule. The nation has 
bowed to your dead father's behest and placed his 
crown upon your brow; be you likewise obedient to 
his will, and take the husband he destined for you. 

XILONA 

But is there need for haste? I am very young; 
but a few weeks have passed since my father's death. 
I am all disturbed, overwrought and ill at ease. I 
cannot think of marriage. 

ACHEL 

[Sternly. ] 
Great need is there for haste. There is a busy 



XILONA 155 

ferment throughout the empire of the Aztecs. The 
Castilian invaders advance despite Montezuma's pro- 
hibition ; traitorous vassals and unfaithful allies se- 
cretly abet Malinche. Shall we in Yucatan sit su- 
pinely by and see our kinsmen conquered and 
enslaved by these sacrilegious strangers? The re- 
public of Tlaxcala has not yet declared itself, and 
the young general Xicotencal comes not only as your 
bridegroom to claim your hand, but likewise as an 
ambassador from the regents of the republic to so- 
licit your alliance. The fate of Yucatan, of Tlax- 
cala — nay, even of great Mexico itself, hangs in the 
balance your untried hand sustains. Dally no 
longer ; accept his proffered love ; cement this alli- 
ance with the republic and send your enemies under 
Xicotencal's command to fight the battles of Tlax- 
cala and Mexico. 

XILONA 

[Shrmkingly . ] 
Indeed, I would fain obey you in this — but I find 
no love in my heart for the gallant Xicotencal. 

ACHEL 

- Perhaps no room is left there for him since a 
stranger has forestalled him. Love is sometimes 
sweet but oft-times bitter. The maid who gives her 
love unsought is like to be no wife and may be less 
than maid. Does it become the Princess of Labna 
to fix her eyes upon her father's captive.^ 



156 



XILONA 



XILONA 

l^Protestingly.'j 
I protest, Achel ; I have no fancy for the captive. 
His doctrines pleased me. 

ACHEL 

Oh, 'twas doctrine that pleased you ! He taught 
the brotherhood of man and talked of love and other 
things, rare and wondrous. He would overturn our 
altars and banish our gods to make way for his own, 
while we, the priests of the ancient Maya cult, must 
stand down and bend beneath the authority of his 
omnipotent pope in a distant place called Rome. 
But Avhile he preaches mercy, his countrymen practise 
murder ; while he proclaims brotherhood, they rav- 
age provinces. Neither the cruel oscelots in our for- 
ests nor the ravenous sharks in our waters are more 
fierce than these monsters. Doctrine, Princess ! 
When the preacher is winsome, the doctrine is sure 
to be orthodox — for women. In all our Maya 
land, no eyes are blue like his. 'Twas in them you 
read the doctrine ; but they burned with no lovelight 
for you. (With great emphasis.) He cursed you. 
He broke with sacrilegious yells into the most sa- 
cred, public rites of our religion and laid impious 
hands upon the sacrifice consecrated to our coun- 
try's gods. He consigned 3^our soul to eternal per- 
dition and gave your body to be food for vultures. 
Strange wooing ! Look you, Princess Xilona, this 



XILONA 157 

man, come hither from we know not whence, was shel- 
tered and honoured by your dead father, whose life 
he shortened; he has outraged the sacred rites of 
hospitality ; moreover, being a priest of his religion, 
he is consecrated to his gods and may take no wife. 
He has no eyes for women. He scorned your prof- 
fered love. Now he marches with Malinche to Mex- 
ico. Crush them both, and be revenged for the out- 
rage he has put upon you. Are you so little a 
woman or so poor a princess to be thus publicly 
flouted.? 

NEZEHUA 

You, a Princess of Yucatan, to be scorned by such 
a man ! A priest ! indeed. His place is beneath 
your feet — put him there. 

XILONA 

\^Whose indignation has mounted.^ 
It is sunset. Call the General Xicotencal. It is 
sunset ! 

[^Exeunt Nezehua and Attendants.^ 

ACHEL 

[^Aside.~\ 
Thus have I sown the seed that in due time shall 
yield the harvest I would reap. 
[Exit.] 



158 XILONA 

Scene II 
The same. 

Princess Xilona and General Xicotencal. 
Enter Xicotencal through the garden door. 

XICOTENCAL 

The laggard sun has gone to rest; his dying rays 
light this vision on which my envious eyes now feast. 
His day is done, and my day begins. Xilona, my 
princess ! My bride ! Never till this hour did I 
fully know thy wondrous beauty. {He kneels.) 

XILONA 

Rise, Xicotencal. The sun has set, and I must 
keep my promise. It was my father's will that I 
should take you for my husband and my people also 
desire our union. I think you love me well.'' 

XICOTENCAL 

How shall I convince you? What other than love 
can I offer to you who possess all? I have a glori- 
ous pearl from Cubagua that is like a pallid rosebud 
touched by a silver moonbeam. It cost a man's life, 
for it was taken from the clenched hand of a diver 
who never rose from the caves of the sea where he 
ravished it from the jealous goddess who rules in the 
cerulean realm of the fishes. In your dark hair it 
will gleam like the moon of love. In the north coun- 
try beyond the mountains, men find opals that flash 



XILONA 159 

and burn with mysterious fires ; they shall drape 
your body like garlands of stars. I will bring a 
mantle of humming-birds' feathers, imperial green, 
celestial blue, clasped with turquoise ; and emeralds 
from far Peru, equal to Montezuma's crown jewels, 
shall blaze above your brow. 

XILONA 

These things do not tempt me, for love alone is the 
irresistible tempter, and he does not speak to me; I 
do not know his language. 

XICOTENCAL 

Your virgin heart is silent — and I would have it 
so. Let me, who love you as never man loved before, 
teach you his language. Let mine be the voice to 
first awaken the echoes of love in the chaste silences 
of your heart. Such love as you have kindled in my 
soul must beget a kindred flame in yours. We two 
are destined to be mated as royal eagles mate. 

XILONA 

Almost you persuade me — and yet — and yet — ! 
What does love mean to men.^ Ardent always, but 
faithful never, so I am told. 

XICOTENCAL 

To me, love is life. Some men seek wisdom, but 
love is more precious than knowledge ; some seek 
wealth, but love is above riches ; others strive for 



160 XILONA 

glory, but fame without love is barren. In my life 
I have seen men pursue follies ; I have seen the good 
and the evil men do — I have seen and praised, or I 
have beheld and pitied, but until my love for you was 
born I knew only the love of my country ; now these 
two are welded into one, — linked indissolubly and 
forever. It is from love alone I seek the great re- 
ward. Do you give it me and bid me live? Or do 
you deny it and bid me die.^* 

XILONA 

Naj'^, Xicotencal, I would not have you die. I 
am sore perplexed, for I am alone and weighted with 
grave cares and the burden of fateful decisions. 
You are strong and I need strength; you are wise 
and I need counsel. Ah! would you be kind to me? 

XICOTENCAL 

Kind as heaven's rain to mother earth; kind as 
summer's dew to thirsty flowers ! Let me bear your 
burdens ; lean on my strength, believe in my love and 
all will be well. Be my wife. 

XILONA 

I do believe you, but I will not bind myself — not 
now. There are also other things about which we 
must talk. You bring a message from the regents 
of your country asking the alliance of my state. 



XILONA 161 

Achel tells me that this means our forces shall join 
with the Mexicans under Montezuma to fight the 
Spanish captain, Malinche. 

XICOTENCAL. 

Such is my hope, but the pact with Montezuma is 
not yet made, though I would see it concluded. 
There are two parties in Tlaxcala, one favouring 
Montezuma ; the other, animated by hatred, would 
make an alliance with Malinche, who is thought to be 
a god, in the hope of marching to Mexico and tak- 
ing vengeance on Montezuma for his past cruelties to 
us. These men are deceived, for Malinche is no god, 
nor are his men immortal. I have seen them fall in 
battle. True it is, Montezuma has ever been the 
bitterest enemy of my country, but in the face of 
this common peril our past dissensions should be for- 
gotten and we should all unite to destroy these for- 
eign invaders. Give us your alliance and your voice 
will tip the scale. We will save Montezuma's crown 
and empire and earn his undying gratitude. We 
may claim a great rew^ard. 

XILONA 

Montezuma was my father's friend, and I am not 
forgetful. There is amongst these Spaniards a cer- 
tain man who dwelt here for six years as my father's 
captive, though greatly favoured and honoured by 



162 XILONA 

him. He is, they tell me, a priest of his religion. 
His name is Geronimo. 

XICOTENCAL 

Geronimo ! I know him well, for he is the tongue 
by which Malinche speaks, since he knows our lan- 
guage. He it is who most plays upon our people's 
superstitious fears and would persuade them that 
Malinche comes from the god Quetxalcoatl and that 
he is invincible ; he tells them the Spaniards come to 
give them revenge for the tyrannies of Montezuma 
and to liberate the peoples of Mexico from the em- 
pire of fear. He preaches of a god whose name is 
love, but he lives by a god whose name is wrath. 

XILONA 

111 did Geronimo requite my father's kindness. 
Xicotencal, this man insulted me. Before all the 
people, at the hour of sacrifice, he cursed me and 
blasphemed our gods. 

XICOTENCAL 

He shall die ! I swear he shall die by my hand. 

XILONA 

Oh, I don't know ! Perhaps not die — but he 
must be humbled. I would see him at my feet — a 
suppliant for mercy from the woman he scorned, 
from the princess he outraged ! Shall my crown en- 



XILONA 163 

dure his insults ? Revenge — revenge ! it is my 
right ! I would have revenge ! 

XICOTENCAL 

Your right is sacred, and revenge shall be yours. 
Give me the right to fight for you, and I will bring 
this insolent blasphemer, bound, to your feet. You 
shall dispose of him as you will, for he shall be your 
slave. Give me this right. 

XILONA 

Do this, and I will be your wife. 

XICOTENCAL 

[^Seeking to emhraee her.^ 
My bride ! My queen ! 

XILONA 

[Repulsing hivi gently. '\ 
Not yet, Xicotencal. Bear first my answer to 
Tlaxcala, and conclude the pact with Montezuma. 
When Malinche is conquered and Geronimo is a slave 
at my feet, then will I redeem my promise. I will be 
yours. 

XICOTENCAL 

[Exultantly.^ 
I laugh at such small conditions ! I fear not Ma- 
linche. Your desire shall be fulfilled, for love shall 
strengthen my arm and guide the flight of my jave- 
lins. Each blow I strike for Tlaxcala and Mexico 



164 XILONA 

shall be struck for jou and bring me a step nearer 
to you. See! (Pointing to the rising moon.) The 
pale queen of night hears and registers my vow ! 
She rides silently through the silvered heavens, 
quenching the light of lesser stars as does the radi- 
ance of your beauty outshine the charms of the fair- 
est women around your throne. Come with me to- 
morrow to Tlaxcala and there set your seal upon 
the pact you have made to-night. The regents await 
your answer : give it them with your own lips. To 
your beauty and to my strength belongs the world. 
A greater crown than that of Labna awaits you be- 
yond the mountains. Come ! Banish care and let 
us rejoice together. Let me lead you to Tlaxcala 
and to Mexico. 

XILONA 

[Pensively, giving him her hand.^ 
To Tlaxcala and to Mexico. 
\_Ea:eunt.'\ 

Scene III 
The next day. 

XlCOTENCAL, ACHEL, XlLONA, TlAXCALAN SENA- 
TOR, Guerrero. 

A terrace before the palace, approached hy several 
stone steps. A long, low facade of stone extends 
across the stage; a centre doorxvay onto tlie ter- 



XILONA 165 

race: some carved -figures of gods: right and left, 
tropical foliage framing the scene. 

XICOTENCAL 

\To Senator.] 
The tidings you bring me from Tlaxcala are both 
tardy and inopportune. Only yesterday I concluded 
a pact with the Princess of Labna, who promised her 
troops under Holcan's leadership to join our forces 
in opposing Malinche's advance. The Senate should 
have awaited my messenger. 

SENATOR 

The Senate was at first divided, leaning rather to- 
wards an alliance with Montezuma, but the party 
hostile to Mexico, led by the regent Maxixcatzin, 
won. 

[Enter Achel.] 

ACHEL 

I have told the news to Princess Xilona. She 
comes hither. 

XICOTENCAIx 

And my father — how did he vote ? 

SENATOR 

For the alliance with Malinche. He does not 
trust the promises of Montezuma, nor can our people 
forget the Aztec's perfidy. The smooth speeches of 
his ambassador fell on unbelieving ears. 



166 XILONA 

[^Enter Xilona, accompanied hy Guerrero. 
She is preceded hy Attendants, who place a 
chair for her and withdraw.^ 

XICOTENCAI, 

Princess Xilona, this member of my country's Sen- 
ate brings important news from Tlaxcala. 

XILONA 

Achel has told me its import, but I would hear 
more of what passed in the Senate. 

XICOTENCAL 

[To Senator.] 
Rehearse your story. 

SENATOR 

Five days ago, appeared before the assembled sen- 
ators an embassy from Montezuma to solicit Tlax- 
cala's alliance against the Spaniards under the cap- 
tain Malinche. The spokesman of the embassy 
promised perpetual amity and Montezuma's favour ; 
he saluted Tlaxcalans as blood-brothers of his peo- 
ple and exhorted them to forget past dissensions, to 
stand with their Aztec kinsmen against the infidel in- 
vaders. 

ACHEL 

So should they do. 



XILONA 167 



SENATOR 



Almost he did persuade them, but when he with- 
drew to await the Senate's answer there came Ma- 
linche's envoy, a Christian priest, Geronimo, accom- 
panied by an Aztec woman, who speaks many 
tongues. 

XILONA 

A woman ! (To Achel.) Who is this w^oman? 

ACHEL 

The traitress Marina, a name henceforth infa- 
mous, for she is a harlot who has sold herself and her 
country to Malinche, under whose protection she pa- 
rades her shame. 

XILONA 

[To Senator.] 
Is this woman Marina beautiful .^^ 

SENATOR 

[Hands her a painted cloth with picture writ- 
ing.] 
Here is her likeness and that of Malinche. 

XILONA 

I like not her face. Her nose is flat and — yes, 
by the gods, she has a squint. 



168 XILONA 

ACHEL 

\_Impatiently.'\ 
These things are unimportant. What spake Ma- 
linche's envoy? 

SENATOR 

He pronounced a well-considered speech, offering 
the senators their choice between peace or war with 
Malinche, between certain destruction and sure vic- 
tory over our ancient, hereditary foe, Montezuma. 
His words were drunk by eager ears, for our people 
hunger to possess the Aztecs' lands and our warriors 
already savour the taste of their blood. 

ACHEL 

Fools ! To be beguiled by fair words from the 
pale-faced strangers who only seek to gain a foot- 
hold in the country to enslave its peoples. Let the 
nations unite to sweep these vermin back into the 
eastern sea that cast them in an unlucky hour upon 
these coasts. 

SENATOR 

It is too late. Tlaxcala is pledged to the Span- 
iards. The day of vengeance upon Montezuma has 
dawned ; wise men read portents in the heavens and 
throughout our land there echoes but one cry : to 
Mexico ! to Mexico ! The Senate's vote is cast, 
\_Ej:it Senator.] 



XILONA 169 

XICOTENCAL 

[Smarting under the regent's rebuke.^ 
By this A^ote of the Senate our plans are undone. 

XILONA 

Have I pledged my alliance to Tlaxcala to profit 
those I would rather destroy? Montezuma was ever 
my father's friend and Mexico our ally. My troops 
shall not fight against him. 

ACHEl. 

We may yet turn their adverse decision to our 
purpose. Listen to me. The Princess of Labna will 
seem to hold to the conditions of her treaty and send 
her troops, under Holcan, to march with those of 
Tlaxcala to Mexico. {To Xicotencal.) You 
shall lead these united forces under the banner of the 
Republic. Timely notice to Montezuma's envoys 
will reassure him that our hearts are with him 
against the invaders and, once Malinche and his men 
are within the walls of Mexico, we shall declare our- 
selves with the Mexicans and overpower the strang- 
ers. Thus, taken amidst the canals of the great 
city, they will be powerless and our victory assured. 
Montezuma will be forever bound to us by ties of 
gratitude. 

XICOTENCAL 

This would be treachery ! I am a soldier ; I am 



170 XILONA 

bound by my oath to the Senate, and I must lead the 
troops of Tlaxcala whither the regents command me. 

ACHEL 

Your scruples are over-nice. Your oath is sworn 
before the Senate, but your allegiance is due to your 
country. If the regents are blind to the conse- 
quences of their misguided decision, shall you follow 
their un-reason? Will 3'ou therefore fight under the 
standard of this accursed Malinche? Malinche! 
Malinche ! He has deluged the land with innocent 
blood ; the blaze of our burning villages crimsons the 
skies. Ye gods, who rule the destinies of nations, 
look down upon these ruins and let your lightnings 
strike the invaders ! Hear the nation's groan and 
staunch the bleeding wounds of Mexico ! 

XICOTENCAL 

The decision is not mine — it rests not with me to 
decide. I am a soldier. 

ACHEL 

[Aside to Princess.^ 
Speak to him. 

XILONA 

Xicotencal, this decision of the Senate is disas- 
trous and wicked, and I will not accept it. If 3^ou 
obey the regent's orders and fight against Monte- 
zuma, you must fight against me, for I will not 



XILONA 171 

march with Malmche. The advice of Achel is wise. 
Shall we renounce our purpose because the regent 
would betray his country to gratify his hatred of 
Montezuma? Let it rather be your part to save 
your people from the folly of this dotard. 

XICOTENCAL 

Do you, Xilona, counsel me to break my oath — 
my oath as a soldier? My obedience is pledged to 
the Senate. 

XILONA 

And your oath to me? — given at Labna with 
sighs and vows and protestations of eternal fidelity. 
Have you forgotten that, or does it no longer hold 
good? The senators are but puppets in the hand 
of the masterful regent, who bends them as he will 
and has carried their consent by violence. Do you 
love me, then, so little that you will violate your own 
conscience and better judgment at the regent's bid- 
ding, rather than keep faith with me — and claim 
my promise when victory is ours? 

XICOTENCAL 

You take me on my weakest side! 

XILONA 

And my revenge? You declared my right to 
vengeance was a sacred thing to which you would 
dedicate your life ! I want my revenge. I will have 



172 XILONA 

this man, Geronimo, brought, bound, to my feet — 
my slave. I want my revenge. 

ACHEL 

Listen, Xicotencal. Do men open their doors to 
thieves who will plunder their house and then turn 
them out of it? You say you are a soldier. Well 
and good: for what do you fight? Not for regents 
nor senates, but for your country. Save now your 
countrymen in the hour of their greatest need, when 
they are betrayed by the Senate, and the regents 
would open the door to these foreign robbers. You 
will be the saviour of Tlaxcala and of Mexico. 
Great will be the name of Xicotencal forever 
throughout Anahuac. 

XICOTENCAL 

[Muttering to himself.^ 
This touches my honour — but there is glory, 
there is love. Where lies my duty? 

XILONA 

[To Guerrero.] 
My troops shall not march with Malinche. 

GUERRERO 

The Spaniards can do nothing without allies, for 
they are few and ignorant of the country. I have 
drilled the soldiers of Labna well in the Castilian art 
of war, and I will lead them against Malinche. 



XILONA 173 

Moreover, I have learned that all his men are not of 
one mind. Many of them grumble and are ready to 
rebel ; they want to go back to their ships, for they 
fear Montezuma and have no stomach for this march 
to Mexico. We can easily detach these men with the 
promise of a safe escort to their ships, and thus re- 
duce his numbers. 

ACHEL 

This fits well with our designs. We must ap- 
proach these malcontents and divide Malinche's 
forces. Weaken him first and then strike. 

XICOTENCAL 

[To Guerrero.] 
Are the Spaniards not your countrymen .^^ 

GUERRERO 

I have no country save Yucatan. The Princess 
of Labna is my sovereign for whom I will fight and 
die. I know no other. 

XILONA 

My faithful Holcan ! I thank you. {To Xico- 
TENCAL.) His devotion springs from the heart, and 
hence he does not forsake me. Is your love but a 
shallow passion that spends itself in lip-phrases.^ 
Do you desert me.^ 

XICOTENCAL 

\I)es'perately.'\ 
No ! So let it be. For I too hate these Spanish 



174 XILONA 

thieves with all my heart. Since the senators be- 
tray the Republic, now let the soldiers come to its 
defence. Xilona, our pact is sacred and I will keep 
my pledge to you, come what may. You shall have 
your vengeance. 

XILONA 

And you shall have my hand and share my throne. 

XICOTENCAI, 

It is your heart I want. 

ACHEL 

I will treat this matter with the Mexican ambassa- 
dor, so that Montezuma, being made acquainted with 
our fidelity to him, may devise opportune means to 
accomplish our holy purpose. The gods of Mexico 
be with us ! To the sun of Anahuac we will offer the 
heart of Malinche. 
\_Exeunt.'\ 



CURTAIN 



ACT III 



: 



ACT III 

Scene I 

Time: November, 1519. 

XiLONA, Geronimo, Achel, Xicotencal, Guer- 
rero, Nezehua, Cortes, Marina, Montezuma, 
Kings of Texcoco and Tacuba, Spanish Troops, 
Tlaxcalan Soldiers, Spanish Monks, Aztec Cour- 
tiers and Soldiers, Corps de Ballet, Musicians and 
Populace of Mexico. 

The scene shows the first meeting between Monte- 
zuma and Cortes. In the background rises the 
snowy cone of Popocatapetl crowned with smoke; 
the blue waters of the lake stretch across the 
scene; and on its farther shore are seen the pyra- 
mids, towers and roofs of Mexico. The stage rep- 
resents an open square on which, to the right 
foreground, stands the portico of a fortified 
building, half palace, half fortress. This portico 
is approached by broad steps and is hung with 
tapestries and garlands. Montezuma's throne 
occupies its centre, with a seat opposite for Cor- 
tes and others to the right, and left for the two 

Kings and Princess Xilona. 

177 



178 XILONA 

The curtain rises on an anvmated scene. Police- 
men are clearing the wa\y and putting the crowd in 
order. Amidst the hnhhub^ a blare of trumpets 
is heard, followed hy a roll of small drums and 
Spanish martial music. The Spanish troops, led 
in hy their captains, and composed of gentlemen 
adventurers, soldiers, sailors, negroes dragging 
culverins, and Indian allies, enter and take places 
on the left front, opposite tJie royal portico. Xi- 
coTENCAL leads the united forces of TlokVcala and 
Labna, distinguished from one another by their 
respective colours. Guerrero heads the Labna 
troops. 

XICOTENCAL 

[To Guerrero.] 
You have well considered my instructions and 
know what you have to do? 

GUERRERO 

I understand. 

XICOTENCAL 

The priest, Geronimo, will come with Malinche and 
will stand here with us. When the entertainment 
offered by the Emperor to the strangers is finished, 
Montezuma will lead Malinche through the palace, 
while the troops will march by yon causeway into the 
city. It is Princess Xilona's will that Geronimo 
should be detained here by us. While you detach 



XILONA 179 

him from his companions and hold him engaged in 
conversation apart until all the troops have left, I 
will so place my men as to conceal you from the 
Spaniards and cut him off from joining them. See! 
the barge of the Princess Xilona approaches. 

[4 state barge touches the landing-place at the 
back, from which Xilona, Achel, Nezehua 
and Attendants Tandy amidst the acclama- 
tions of the crowd. They advance towards 
the royal portico, Achel leading Xilona.] 

XICOTENCAL 

[^Approaching Xilona.] 
Princess, I salute you. Without your presence, 
Montezuma's festival had lacked its queen. 

xilona 

'Tis not the festival that brings me. I would see 
this captain Malinche who has sown such turmoil 
throughout the empire. He is acclaimed as a god. 

ACHEL 

Foolish superstition ! He is no god, nor yet a 
child of the sun. At last Montezuma has given ear 
to the counsels of wisdom. Malinche comes to the 
festival of death. Once within the city, he is deliv^ 
ered into our hands. 

XICOTENCAL 

[To Xilona.] 
Do you enter Mexico .^^ 



180 XILONA 

XILONA 

No, we return as we came, across the lake, where 
I shall await news in the fortress of Chalco. 

XICOTENCAL 

Your wait will be brief. 

XILONA 

[Eagerly.] 
Have you a plan? 

XICOTENCAL 

A perfect plan. The priest Geronimo will be 
seized here to-day. When the Emperor withdraws 
with Malinche into the palace and the troops march 
into the city, Holcan will deliver him to me. 

XILONA 

Is there not danger .^^ 

XICOTENCAL 

Is there danger I would not dare for you? Do 
you think I forget my reward? This night Gero- 
nimo shall be at your mercy. 

[Here the second group of Spaniards enters: 
several gentlemen^ preceded by halberdiers; 
then a group of friars^ carrying the stand- 
ard of Cortes, a reliquary of Santiago, a 
status of the Blessed Virgi/n under a canopy; 
finally, Cortes, in full armour, mounted on a 



XILONA 181 

horse which is led hy Geronimo cmd Marina. 
They take their places facing the portico. 
The booming of the great snake-skin drum in 
the distant temple is heard, followed by In- 
dian salutes on trumpets, A procession com- 
posed of Aztec Nobles enters, at the end of 
which appear three chamberlains bearing 
golden wands, which they elevate to signify 
the Emperor'' s approach: the people bow their 
faces to the earth, Montezuma is carried in 
a golden litter, gorgeously fringed and 
plmned, by the sides of which walk the two 
Kings. The litter halts midway up the centre 
and the Emperor descends. He takes a golden 
wand in his hand and, supported by the two 
Kings and followed by his Chamberlavns 
and Train-Bearers, he advances. He wears 
a golden cuirass, golden buskins and sandals, 
laced with scarlet and jewelled with emeralds : 
from his shoulders falls a voluminous mantle 
of shot green, gold and blue, imitating as 
nearly as possible the brilliant colours of the 
robe of humming-birds* feathers: his mitre- 
shaped crown blazes with emeralds cmd is dec- 
orated with a cascade of brilliant green feath- 
ers. 
As soon as the imperial litter appears, Cortes 
dismounts and approaches the Emperor, doff- 



182 XILONA 

ing his hat; he makes a gesture as though 
to embrace Montezuma, at which a move- 
ment of horror goes through the crowd and 
the two Kings quickly intervene and prevent 
the proffered fwrniliarity. The Emperor 
stands like a statue, immovable. Cortes 
takes from his neck a collar of diamonds and 
pearls, which he offers to Montezuma, who in 
turn signs to an Attendant to approach and 
takes from him a golden collar with pend- 
ants. He places it on Cortes' neck. 

The Emperor takes his seat on the throne, the 
Kings and the Princess doing likewise on 
theirs, while Cortes is placed on the seat op- 
posite, with Marina beside him. Geronimo 
is with the group opposite the portico. 

Here follows the ballet, in two parts. First, 
the dance of Vestals, in which there is a pas 
seul for a premiere danseuse. Second, a 
comical acrobatic dance of dwarfs and human 
freaks. The Emperor retires as he came, 
except that he goes first, accompanied by 
Cortes, and does not mount his litter. 

While Montezuma, Cortes and the Court are 
leaving the portico, and the Spanish Sol- 
diers and others are following them, Guer- 
rero approaches Fra Geronimo cmd en- 
gages him in conversation in dumb show. 



XILONA 183 

Geronimo at -first repulses him, but Guer- 
rero is insistent^ demonstrative, showing re- 
pentance, etc.; he kneels before the friar, 
kisses the cross hanging from his girdle, and 
thus wins Geronimo to respond affection- 
ately to his advances. Meanwhile, the Tlax- 
calan Soldiers hai^e crowded m between 
Geronimo and the departing Spaniards, thus 
cutting him off from them. At a given mo- 
ment, Geronimo is seized, overpowered and 
bound, while Guerrero laughs at him. 
XiLONA and Achel witness this capture from 
a distance as they are descending the steps 
and approaching the barge, into which they 
enter. The action is covered throughout by 
music, ending in a triumphant finale.^ 

curtain , 

Scene II 

Evening of the same day. 

XiLONA — Geronimo — Xicontencal. — Achel — 
Two Indians. A low, flat-ceiled room in an 
Aztec fortress near Mexico. The ceiling is sup- 
ported by two square stone columns that divide 
the room: against each of these columns stands 
an idol on a pedestal. A window, at the back, 
divided by columns into three openings, shows a 



184 XILONA 

view of the volcano. Entrances at right centre 
and left front. 

XILONA 

To-day I saw that strange warrior whose presence 
keeps all Mexico in a ferment , . . Malinche. . . . 
Whence comes he and on what direful errand bent? 
He out-matched the Emperor in majesty, and I saw 
in Montezuma's quailing eye the unaccustomed 
spectre of nameless fear. Is he the fore-ordained? 
. . . the avenger of a god betrayed, who holds within 
his deciding hand the destinies of Mexico . . . and 
mine? If we are doomed to fall, and kings to wear 
the manacles of servitude, then let me choose my 
master . . . Geronimo . . . Geronimo. . . . How 
my lips linger on that name ! Yet hope beats but 
feebly in my heart. {She goes to the window and 
looks out impatiently.) No sign of Xicotencal ! 
How slowly turn the wheels of time ! I age with 
waiting. 

[^Cries are heard without, and she again looks 
from the window.~\ 
At last, 'tis Xicotencal ! Do the gods bring me 
to-night my desire? 

\_Enter Xicotencal and Geronimo, who is 
bound and led hy two Tlaxcalan Soldier s.~\ 

XICOTENCAL 

Princess, you are mistress of this fortress which 



XILONA 185 

you hold for the Emperor. Into your keeping I de- 
liver this prisoner. 

XILONA 

Leave the prisoner with me, General, for I would 
speak with him. Loose his bonds. I will call you 
anon. 

[Geronimo is unbound. Xicotencal salutes 

and withdraws, followed hy Soldier s.~\ 
\A moment of doubtful silence, during which 
Geronimo does not look at Xilona.] 

XILONA 

Have you naught to say to me, Geronimo.'' 

GERONIMO 

I have not sought speech with you. 

XILONA 

You were my father's prisoner. You are now 
mine. 

GERONIMO 

I am the Emperor's guest. We are not in Yuca- 
tan. 

XILONA 

I promised you freedom then, and I can give it to 
you now. Have you forgotten Labna that was your 
home ? 



186 XILONA 



GERONIMO \ 



I have forgotten nothing — neither my captivity 
nor your shame. 

XILONA 

Your speech is harsh. In what have I offended 
you.? 

GERONIMO 

I have seen you taste human flesh and blood. 
You — you who, of all the lost souls of this new 
world — groping in the night of ignorance, were 
chosen to receive the message of salvation. You 
have shut your eyes to the celestial light you should 
have followed; you have rejected the message whis- 
pered across sterile ages by some mysterious apostle 
of God, and you shall perish — rejected. Damna- 
tion is the fate of all who sin against the light. 

XILONA 

How shall I follow the light with none to lead 
me? I see but dimly. You came to me as the mes- 
senger of the god of love . . . you were to teach me 
love. 

GERONIMO 

You are a heathen woman and I pity you. Talk 
not of love to a Christian priest, else must I also 
despise you. 

XILONA 

Do you, the priest of the god of love, defame love.'^ 



XILONA 187 

Is not love above everything, sacred . . . nature's 
truest instinct? Shame has no part in love. 

GERONIMO 

Your understanding is clouded because you know 
only the love of the flesh, which is lust. But why do 
I speak? Shall I cast pearls before swine? 

XILONA 

Geronimo, I am alone . . •. alone. Love has en- 
tered as a thief into my heart. I had dreamed, as 
maidens must, of love — of him who was to complete 
my life, to be my other, my better self : love was to be 
beautiful, peaceful; it was to bring joy and happi- 
ness. Alas ! where is my poor dream ? For love is 
strife — it is torment — it is death. 

GERONIMO 

Such is carnal love. You have tasted the bitter- 
ness of disordered human passion ; its flatteries are 
poison, its promises are false. Sorrow is the fruit 
of desire, for pure love knows not full fruition in this 
life. Rise out of these depths. Repent, chastise the 
flesh, and give your love to my Master. 

XILONA 

Your master? . . . But I know him not. You 
are my master. You love your master, and I love 
mine. {SJie approaches him,) 

f 



188 XILONA 



GERONIMO 



Stand away from me, daughter of Satan! My 
hands are anointed. 

XILONA 

\_Pleadinglij.^ 
You promised me 3^our counsel ; we were to teach 
my people the true religion. Come now with me to 
Yucatan, where we will work together and make them 
all Christians. My people will welcome us, and they 
will accept your teaching. Let us fly this cursed 
land of blood and tears, overshadowed by on-coming 
doom. Come with me to Labna . . . beautiful 
Labna . . . far from here, far from war and death. 
I will lead you thither, not as captive but as king, 
for you shall rule my people. See. (She casts aside 
her outer draperies.) Men have called me fair: 
great warriors and mighty chieftains have wooed me. 
All the delights that woman can give to man, I will 
give to you. Geronimo, since first my glance rested 
on your face, my eyes can see no other. ... I am 
yours — take me, I am yours forever. 

GERONIMO 

You are the image of woman by whom sin first 
came into the world. You are the eternal temptress 
— the seducer of souls. Your body, fed with man's 
flesh, fills me with loathing : — your body, desired 
of kings, is not fair to me, for it is a tainted thing, 



XILONA 189 

full like a whited sepulchre of foulness and corrup- 
tion: your body, that you perfume and deck with 
jewels and offer to men, is but a lure of Satan with 
which he baits his trap to catch unwary souls. 
Speak no more to me. I am armoured against carnal 
temptations by my holy vows — for I am a priest of 
the most high God ; a priest forever, for whom it is 
profanation and eternal death to look on woman like 
you. 

[XiLONA strikes a gong^ enter Xicotencal, fol- 
lowed hy AcHEL and two Soldiers. ~\ 

XILONA 

\With suppressed fury.^ 
Xicotencal, kill this man. Kill him here and now! 

[XicoTENCAL draws a knife and rushes with 
tiger-like ferocity towards Geronimo, who 
stands immovable^ awaiting the blow. 
XiLONA draws her veil over her face and 
rushes from the room. Just as Xicotencal 
is about to strike, Achel intervenes. ~\ 

ACHEL 

Not here, nor by your hand shall this man die. 
We are in Mexico — not Yucatan. Bind the cap- 
tive. 

[The Indians hind Geronimo and lead him to 

one side.^ 
\To Xicotencal.] 



190 XILONA 

This priest's absence is already noticed and is 
causing great commotion. To kill him here by Prin- 
cess Xilona's orders is to risk the undoing of all our 
plans. One has just come to me from Mexico who 
reports that search is being made everywhere for him 
and Montezuma has published the death penalty for 
whosoever shall harm this man, Geronimo. 

XICOTENCAL 

What shall be done with him.-^ Give him up we 
dare not, for he would betray us. 

ACHEL 

Let him be confined in the cavern under this for- 
tress : there he will lie as buried in a grave of living 
rock until Malinche is in our power, when we will sac- 
rifice them together. You will return to Mexico to- 
night : Holcan has won over sixty of Malinche's men, 
who are ready to desert him and return to their 
ships ; when the bridges are raised, do you organise a 
tumult in the city, in the midst of which Tlaxcalans 
and Mexicans will fall upon the Spanish quarters and 
capture Malinche. Strike quickly, and strike hard. 

XICOTENCAL 

Aye. We must act speedily. To-morrow, we will 
raise the bridges and cut off the Spaniards' return. 
Now to the cavern with the prisoner. 



XILONA 191 

ACHEL 

And these two soldiers who share the secret of 
his whereabouts — are the j to be trusted ? 

XICOTENCAL 

I trust no man. I shall kill the soldiers. 

[AcHEL moves a secret spring, and one of the 
idols against the pillar slowly revolves, dis- 
closing a narrow stairway leading down into 
the dungeon. The Soldiers lead Geronimo 
forward and, followed by Xicotencal, they 
descend the stairs. Achel remains, listen- 
ing at the opening. ~\ 

Scene III 

The newt day. 

In Cortes' quarters, in Mexico. 

N. B. The language is assumed to change to Span- 
ish in this act. Marina speaks brokenly and with 
an aecent. 

Cortes — Captains — Priests — Spanish Soldiers 
— A few Tlaxcalans — Marina — Villafana. 

A large, bare room, with dirty, white-washed walls, 
on which hangs a black crucifix with a small oil 
lamp burning before it. A long, heavy table to 
the left front, with one arm-chair and several stools 
or small benches form the furniture. Entrance in 
the centre by an open doorway, outside which a 
Spanish sentry passes and repasses. On the 



19£ XILONA 

right, at the extreme hack, the room has a hay, 
used as a chapel, in which stands an invisible altar, 
the light from which streams into the room. All 
the Soldiers are lineeling and crowding about the 
opening of this improvised chapel. A religious 
service has just finished. One Monk stands as 
cross-bearer, a Friar, vested in a cope, is passing 
amongst the soldiers, carrying a reliquary, which 
he gives each man to kiss. Another Monk carries 
the incense. A murmur of prayers is heard, and 
the Priests pass out. The Soldiers get up, col- 
lect their arms, and go off about their business. 

Cortes and his Captains all gather about the table, 
where a bundle of letters and papers is being 
opened and distributed. 

ViLLAFANA, hovering restlessly about, starts towards 
the door. 

MARINA 

[^She steps before Villafana, waving him back 
with a dramatic gesture, crying aloud, in tone 
of alarm. ^ 
Close the doors ! This man (pointing to Villa- 
fana) is a traitor! He has betrayed you all. Now 
he would give the signal for his assassins to kill you ! 
[Villafana is seized and roughly held. He 
tries to swallow a piece of paper, but it is 
choked from his mouth and given to Cortes, 
who reads it to himself. ^ 



XILONA 193 

CORTES 

These names! These names! {To Marina.) 
What does all this mean ? 

MARINA 

A woman of Tlaxcala crept to-day to my door. 
She was wounded, covered with blood. Just now, ere 
she died, she told me that the Indian captain, Holcan, 
stabbed her when he found her listening to him plan- 
ning with General Xicotencal to kill you. At this 
hour, while you are here unarmed, at this man's sig- 
nal, other Spaniards waiting outside and the Indians 
from Labna and Tlaxcala were to take you by sur- 
prise. All the bridges were to be raised to-night and 
your men taken in a trap. Xicotencal and Holcan 
are the secret allies of the Mexicans, and when you 
were killed they would have joined them, and thus all 
the Spaniards would be captured and sacrificed to 
their gods. When the Indian woman escaped them 
and took refuge in my house, they were afraid, fear- 
ing she would tell me ; so Holcan and Xicotencal 
fled early this morning. The woman did not speak 
till just now — and then she died. 

CORTES 
[To ViLLAFANA.] 

Is this the truth? (Villafana is silent.) You 
won't speak .f^ 



194 XILONA 

ALVARADO 

Give him the question. 

SPANIARDS 

The question ! The question ! 
[Cortes nods assent.^ 

ALVARADO 

Bring the screws. 

[Thumbscrews are brought and put on Villa- 
fan a.] 
Give them a twist. 

[ViLLAFANA groans and writhes. '\ 

CORTES 

Is this woman's story true? 

VILLAFANA 

It is. I am abandoned. 

CORTES 

Well, let us hear the rest. How did this begin ? 

VILLAFANA 

Xicotencal has always hated us Spaniards, and has 
from the beginning had a secret understanding with 
the Mexicans. It was agreed that his forces and 
those of Yucatan would go over to the Mexicans, in 
spite of the orders of the regents of Tlaxcala. 






XILONA 195 

CORTES 

And who conceived this pretty plot? 

VILLAFANA 

Achel. 

CORTES 

I don't know him. Who is he? 

VILLAFANA 

The high priest of Yucatan. 

CORTES 

The high priest ! Well, it smells of the sacristy. 
If they had him in Rome, they would make him a 
cardinal. {Jokingly.) Eh, friar? And what was 
your purpose — and that of these others? (Point- 
ing to the paper.) 

VILLAFANA 

General, this invasion is madness, and we are 
weary of it. We want to go back to Cuba. What 
chance has our handful of men against the countless 
hordes of Mexico? The Mexicans have brought us 
into their city the more easily to annihilate us. We 
are taken here like rats in a trap, and our only chance 
is to get back to our ships while we still may. We 
have begged you to lead us back, but you would not 
listen. So — well — we arranged with Xicotencal 
and Holcan to leave to-night. They promised us an 
open road and safe passage to the sea. Since you 



196 XILONA 

would not come, we saw no reason why we should be 
slaughtered also like cattle in the shambles. But for 
you, most of the men would follow us, for nobody's 
heart is in this conquest. We want to go back to 
Cuba. 

CORTES 

Ah ! You did not want to be slaughtered — you 
and your friends — so you planned to slaughter me 
and my officers instead ! Retreat, and give up the 
conquest. Lives there a man so — so — What are 
you ? Spaniards ? 

SPANIARDS 

\_Sh outing. ~\ 
No ! No 1 Cowards ! Traitors ! Outlaws ! 

CORTES 

Spain rejects you. Catholics.'' 

SPANIARDS 

[Shouting angrily.^ 
No ! Apostates ! Heretics ! Judas ! 

CORTES 

The Church's ban is upon you, who, to save your 
worthless lives, connived with heathen and cannibals 
against us who are fighting battles for the extension 
of the realms of our invincible sovereign, Don Carlos, 
our Lord {All uncover) and for the exaltation of 



XILONA 197 

the Cross of Christ. (All cross themselves.) You 
are worse than unregenerate Jew or relapsed heretic, 
and you insult the honour of these hidalgos, saying 
that they share your cowardice and would follow you. 
But you reckoned badly, for this is not man's war. 
'Tis not I who lead these troops, 'tis Santiago, the 
protector of Spanish soldiers. To Santiago the vic- 
tory, to God the glory ! 

SPANIARDS 

[^With wild enthusiasm.^ 
Viva Santiago! Viva Espafia! 

CORTES 

\_Sneeringly. ] 
So you would return to Cuba ? Well, I'll send you 
to a hotter place than Cuba. Let him be hanged 
before his own door. There let his body swing, as a 
warning to his fellow traitors. 

[ViLLAFANA is hound, and led away.^ 

CORTES 

The fugitives have doubtless made for Tlaxcala, 
and they have a good eight hours' start. I shall 
leave the task of judging Xicotencal to his own peo- 
ple. Alvarado, organise a party to ride in haste 
to Tlaxcala and report their General's treason. 

[Alvarado gives orders ^ and some men go out.^ 

As for the other, Holcan, commanding the forces 
of Labna — 



198 XILONA 

MARINA 

[ Interrup ting him . ] 
That man is no Indian. He is a Spaniard. t 

ALL i 

]^Ex claiming. 1 ^ 

A Spaniard ! How then ? .' 

MARINA I 

He was a captive during six years in Yucatan. 
His Spanish name was Guerrero, and he organised 
and drilled the troops of Labna, married the ruler's 
niece, and has two boys. The Tlaxcalan woman told 
me this, and that it is he who 3^esterday carried off 
Fra Geronimo to some secret place, but she knew not 
where. 

[^Surprise is seen on every face as the men crowd 
aroundy questioning and exclaiming. 1^ 

CORTES 

A renegade Spaniard ! Alvarado, you will know 
how to deal with him. The garrote is too good for 
him. The stake for such as he. 

[All assent y with curses and mutterings.^ 

CORTES J 

[To Alvarado.] * 

And now, be off in haste and run down these dogs. 
Ride in two parties ; take guides and interpreters. 
We must find and save Fra Geronimo if he still lives. 



XILONA 199 

Xicotencal may be left to the Tlaxcalans, and do you 
burn the traitor Spaniard. 

ALL 

\^Shouting.~\ 
Burn the Spaniard! Burn the Spaniard! 
l^Ej^eunt Omnes.^ 



CURTAIN 



i 



ACT IV 



i, 



ACT IV 

Scene I 

The next evening. 

Same as Scene ^, ACT III. Room in the Aztec for- 
tress of Chalco. A fire burns on an open hearth^ 
with some metal and pottery vessels standing about 
it. 

XlLONA NeZEHUA ACHEL. 

XILONA 

[To Nezehua.] 
Here in this gloomy fortress we keep our mourn- 
ful watch, far from the pleasant air and glorious sun- 
shine of Labna. And my golden coyol-bird — the 
little golden-throated herald of God, who daily sang 
in my fragrant garden to publish the birth of odor- 
ous blossoms? Who now hears his magic notes? 
Who now heeds his tuneful message? Perhaps the 
coyol-bird is dead — dead amidst the flowers in my 
dear, my distant garden. Ah me ! I think that 
golden-throated bird is dead. Listen, aunt, to the 
prophecy of the god Quetzalcoatl. {Reads from 
the book) ..." and Quetzalcoatl prophesying 

said . . ," 

203 



204 XILONA 

NEZEHUA 

\_Interrup ting impatien tly. ] 
No ! No ! I will not listen to these dismal say- 
ings. Desist from tormenting yourself over these 
gloomy mysteries. Who knows what such prophecies 
mean ? 

XILONA 

But there is no mystery here. These words are 
plain. But we are all blind! Are not we misled by 
our priests, who sink us ever deeper in the slough 
of disobedience, while they pretend to satisfy the 
divine anger by bloody sacrifices .^^ 

NEZEHUA 

Don't ask me. You, my child, are young and fair, 
and nothing is so unbecoming in a pretty woman as 
positive theological opinions. Now is the season of 
love, and I would see you occupied with your lover 
Xicotencal, rather than puzzling your pretty head 
over ancient prophecies. See ! I am embroidering 
this veil with pearls and turquoises for you. It is 
for your marriage day. 

XILONA 

[^Sadly.^ 

I shall never be married. Unhappy Xicotencal, 

and unhapp3^ the day when first he fixed his heart on 

me ! For, look you, aunt, I love him not and never 

shall. Against his will and only to win me, he has 



XILONA 205 

perjured himself, and the end of this for him is death. 
He has slain an innocent man whose blood is on my 
soul. The treachery Achel planned against the 
Spaniards will fail, for Malinche is irresistible and he 
is terrible. What spake the god Quetzalcoatl ? . . . 
" My followers, like unto me, shall destroy this per- 
verse nation, and overthrow its altars." Malinche 
does this, for he has levelled our high places and cast 
down our gods — our false gods — into the dust. 
All who oppose Malinche die, and they shall die, for 
he is our conqueror, come to chastise our people for 
their apostasy. Xicotencal is a murderer and shall 
pay with his life for his obedience to my wicked com- 
mands. And I, weighted with guilt and remorse, live 
always under the shadow of those dreadful wings — 
the vultures' wings that seem to beat about my head. 
The wings, the black wings like death shadows suffo- 
cate me ! It was Geronimo's prophecy. 

NEZEHUA 

[^Seeking to comfort her.~\ 
No, my sweet, you must not have dark thoughts. 
You are overwrought with our long waiting in this 
gloomy place. Why, the last news from Mexico was 
good ; Holcan's messenger announced that they had 
even won some of Malinche's own men to their side, 
and that their plans were perfect ; they only wait 
the propitious moment to strike. * 



206 XILONA 

XILONA 

That moment will never, never come. I must tell 
Xicotencal the truth, — that I can never marry him 
— and beg him to give up the plot and remain true 
to his oath. I hear the beating of wings — of black 
vultures' wings ! This haunting terror takes shape 
and my cheek is chilled by an icy wind heralding the 
approach of death's messenger. The hour of reckon- 
ing draws nigh and my guilty soul must meet the 
punishment of my crime. 
[^Enter Achel.] 

ACHEL 

No messenger to-day from the Spanish camp. 
The news of our success is over-due. 

XILONA 

It will never come. 

ACHEL 

'Tis ill tidings that travel most quickly ; since we 
hear nothing, all is well. Even his own men rebel 
against the insolence of Malinche. The sacrificial 
knife (he draws it from beneath his robe) is whetted, 
and my arm is strengthened for the blow that shall 
open his breast and give his heart to the Sun and his 
blood to our god of war. 

XILONA 

Let us have done with murder ! Think you thus to 



XILONA 207 

please the supreme creator by acts of inhuman butch- 
ery? (She produces the book.) Give heed, Achel, 
to the teaching" of the divine Quetzalcoatl. {She 
reads. ) " Let no human sacrifice pollute the altar 
of our God. Know ye that not by sacrifices of human 
blood can divine decrees be changed or God's just 
wrath appeased, for these are vain inventions which 
dishonour God and defile man." 

ACHEL 

\_Wrathfulli/ seizing the book.~\ 
Whence have you this book? Thus have the un- 
learned ever wrested the sense of inspired writings 
to their own undoing! Know, child, that there are 
mysteries in our faith too deep for common under- 
standing. Malinche is sent as the scourge of the 
gods. He blindly fulfils decrees beyond his compre- 
hension, and his present victory over our people is 
but the divine chastisement of their lukewarmness. 
This holy purpose served, the accursed instruments 
shall be delivered into our hands ; they shall purge 
and pass as does a pestilence or the fury of the de- 
vastating hurricane. Mexico triumphant shall be 
re-consecrated and the favour of the gods shall shine 
anew upon a fervent and repentant people. 

XILONA 

Malinche comes as the foreordained avenger. Our 
priests have turned our temples into charnel-houses 



208 XILONA 

and exalted murder into a ritual. To you who have 
been the minister of death, Malinche comes as death's 
messenger to summon you to judgment. To the 
helpless, suffering peoples of this land, whose life- 
blood you drain, he comes as a saviour. 

\_Voices are heard without, Nezehua opens the 
door and admits Xicotencal. SJie goes out.~\ 

Scene II 
The same. 

XICOTENCAL 

We have failed ! Our plans were overheard last 
night by a woman of Tlaxcala, who betrayed every- 
thing to Marina. Holcan and I barely escaped from 
Mexico before Malinche was informed ; but the Span- 
iards are now hot upon our tracks. Come Xilona, 
this place can no longer shelter us. 
[Xilona looks bewildered.^ 

ACHEL 

IBitterly.^ 
Betrayed ! and by a woman ! It is always a woman ! 
I must see Holcan. 

[Exit ACHEL.] 

XICOTENCAL 

Xilona, we must away. I have been false to my 
oath, I have betrayed my trust and neither amongst 
Spaniards nor in my native Tlaxcala is there any 



XILONA 209 

place for me. I have bartered my honour for your 
love, but oh ! my treasure, my moon of love, I hold 
the bargain cheap ! I would sell worlds for your 
smile . . . for the touch of your hand. You are 
sweeter to me than life — more sacred than the 
breath I draw. 

\_He seeks to embrace her. ^ 

XILONA 

\_Shrmking.'] 
Oh, Xicotencal, 'tis I who have ruined your life ! 
'Tis I who have brought you to dishonour ! But I 
will save you, I will conceal you. 

XICOTENCAL 

Conceal me ! We will fly together — whither you 
please. To Yucatan, to Labna, or to some far coun- 
try where love and life shall be ours till death. My 
reputation, my triumphs, my honour — let them all 
go ! What are they but vain, fleeting things dressed 
out in a semblance of reality for our delight, and 
loaned to us by the gods? Fortune is inconstant 
and forsakes her favourites in the hour of greatest 
need ; but love is above everything and is forever . . . 
and I have love, Xilona, for I have you. (Always 
seeking to embrace her.) 

XILONA 

[^Troubled and gently repulsing him.'] 
No, Xicotencal, I am unworthy of you, for I am a 



210 XILONA 

poor, weak girl, torn by doubts, pulled hither and 
thither by forces I can neither guide nor resist. 
When first you wooed me in Labna, I did not know my 
heart and I did not love you as you would have me 
love you. I only craved revenge . . . revenge for 
the insults the priest Geronimo had made me suffer. 
My one desire was to see him at my mercy. To win 
that, I promised you. . . . 

XICOTENCAL 

[Interrupting impetuously.^ 
I have kept my pledge. I brought him to your 
feet. ... I would have obeyed you to the end, save 
for Achel. I would have killed him as you com- 
manded. 

XILONA 

[With emotion.^ 
Ah ! you would have killed him ! . . . then ... he 
is not dead.'' 

XICOTENCAL, 

Nay, my mistress. Chide me not. You shall be 
obeyed, for I will kill him now. 

XILONA 

[Hysterically.'\ 
He is not dead! He is not dead! 

XICOTENCAL 

[Mistaking her emotion for anger. 1 
I could not kill him, because Achel prevented me; 



XILONA 211 

but he is dying not one death but a hundred ... he 
is dying by inches. Your revenge is not lost. . . . 

XILONA 

[Inter rup ting eagerly. ] 
Dying, you say? But where.'' 

XICOTENCAL 

He is in the rock cavern beneath this fortress — 
a secret grotto reached by a concealed stairway be- 
hind that image. Achel would have it so, fearing to 
kill him before we had secured Malinche and his men, 
lest Montezuma's wrath should fall on you. 

XILONA 

[Breathlessly.'] 
Yes, yes ! Well, go on ! 

XICOTENCAL 

But death's hand is closing upon him, for I bound 
him fast to a rock; there amidst subterranean dark- 
ness, where no light pierces, with the foul slimy crea- 
tures that haunt caverns and feed on dead things to 
keep him company, he is fast bound and can move 
neither hand nor foot; without food, without water. 
Ah ! water ! But water is there. A sweet spring 
gushes from the rock and runs in a cool rivulet that 
just bathes his feet — a rivulet his lips can never 
touch. 

[XiLONA has listened with suppressed rage and 



212 XILONA 

excitement^ but now loses self-control. She 
turns furiously upon him.^ 

XILONA 

Monster! Fiend! You have dared to thus tor- 
ture this man . . . this man whom I love ! . . . Yes, 
whom I love ! — for every hair of his head is dearer 
to me than my crown. You sought my love, but you 
are blind — blinder even than I mj^self have been, for 
only he fills my heart, — my life. May the gods curse 
you in the light of the morning and in the silence 
of the night! May they curse you in this world 
and in the next ! And while we eat, he starves ! while 
we drink, his lips are parched ! I hate you, I loathe 
you ! For every torment you have inflicted upon him, 
you shall suff*er a score ; for every pang that has 
racked his body, a hundred shall tear yours ! I will 
kill you ! I will torture you with my own hands. 
You shall die — not one death but fifty ! 
l^A distant trumpet blast is heard.~\ 

Ah ! the Spaniards ! They come in good time. I 
will deliver you to Malinche for he has torments that 
wring tears of blood from his victims. 

[She rushes to the window. Voices and noises 
are heard outside. She calls out.~\ 

Lower the bridge ; open the gates and admit the 
Spaniards ! The traitor is here . . . here in this 
room. 

\^Enter Achel and Guerrero in huste.'\ 



XILONA 213 

ACHEL 

[Rushing towards the idol that conceals the 
stairway.^ 
Quick, Xicotencal ! There is not an instant to 
lose ! The Spaniards are here ! There is a secret 
passage leading from the cavern below through the 
bowels of the mountain to an opening in a remote 
gorge; there you may take a canoe on the river and 
reach the sea, whence you may cross to Yucatan. 
Away at once, and wait for us in Labna. 

XICOTENCAL 

No ! Shall I run like vermin and be dragged from 
a hole or done to death in some corner? Let me at 
least face death, for death is justice, it is expiation: 
death is my deliverer, and through death, with its 
accompanying shame in the eyes of men, I regain my 
birthright of honour in the sight of God. 

ACHEL 

But why die? We shall all be safe in Labna, for- 
gotten by Malinche. 

XICOTENCAL 

Malinche never forgets. Shall I weep to leave this 
world, where I have lived in a vain illusion? I have 
already overstayed my time. 

[Exit AcHEL. Enter the blind Regent, Xico- 
tencal, led by a Page.^ 



214 XILONA 

REGENT 

I seek the General Xicotencal of Tlaxcala. Is he 
present? 

XICOTENCAL 

My father ! I am here. 

REGENT 

It is not your father who seeks you. It is your 
judge. 

XICOTENCAL 

I am here. 

REGENT 

General Xicotencal, the messengers of Malinche, 
whom I met on the road, have gone to publish the 
news of your treason throughout Tlaxcala. What 
punishment do the laws of our Republic prescribe 
for treason? 

XICOTENCAL 

The punishment for treason is death. 

REGENT 

You have said it. You have violated your oath 
to the Senate, you are guilty of treachery ; your name 
is infamous throughout Anahuac. I pronounce 
upon you the sentence of death. 

XICOTENCAL 

And death — is it worse than life? All the world 
is a grave, and naught escapes it. 

[^Enter Alvarado and Spaniards.] 



XILONA 215 

ALVARADO 

We have traced the fugitives to this fortress. 

REGENT 

They are here. Behold them. 

SPANIARDS 

\_Shoutmg threats and surrounding Guerrero 
withmenaces.^ 
Which is the Spaniard .^^ Kill the Spaniard! 
Curses on the renegade ! Burn the heretic ! . . . etc. 

ALVARADO 

[Defending Guerrero and pushing off the 
Spaniards.] 
His punishment is not here. Stand off. Are we 
savages.'^ Let his sentence be executed in good or- 
der. This is unseemly. 

regent 
\_To Alvarado.] 
In accordance with the laws of Tlaxcala, and by 
my power as regent of the republic, I have sentenced 
General Xicotencal to death. I now authorise you 
to carry out this sentence. 

ALVARADO 

[A mazed. ~\ 
But ... is this man not your son ? 



S16 XILONA 

REGENT 

[Stoically.l 
No traitor is son of mine. 

ALVARADO 

My orders were to let him be judged and executed 
by his own people. 

REGENT 

He has been judged by his own people: spare them 
the shame of a public execution in Tlaxcala. Let 
him be strangled. 

[Alvarado assents, and both prisoners are 
bound. '\ 

XICOTENCAL 
[To XlLONA.] 

I have been your fool, and I pay with my life 
for my folly. You, Xilona, are in 3^our turn but a 
toy ... a plaything in the hands of fate ; for great 
forces are now loosed in Mexico, forces that shall 
rend and crush you. We are dishonoured — you 
and I — and we both perish, overwhelmed in the sea 
of infamy, that engulfs us. I thank the gods that 
I shall not witness the downfall of my people — that 
I die dishonoured, therein lies all my grief. May 
the gods forgive me and may men forget me ! 

[Exeunt XicoTENCAL, Alvarado, Guerrero, 

Regent and the Spaniards.] 
[Xilona watches a moment from the window. 



XILONA 217 

then, lighting a torch and taking a pottery 
vessel from the fire, she pushes the idol aside 
and enters the stairway leading to the cavern. 
AcHEL. enters in time to see her: he creeps 
stealthily to the opening, listens a inoment and 
then, with a gesture of rage, follows Xilona.] 



Scene III 

An underground cavern with fantastic stalactites. 
In the far background is seen a faint, bluish haze, 
suggesting distant daylight; otherwise the cavern 
is dark. 

Geronimo is standing, bound to a pillar-like rock; 
a spring of water flows from, the wall and runs 
into a small pool at his feet; steep stairs cut in the 
rock lead upwards. Geronimo is in a state of ex- 
treme exhaustion, being without food or drink for 
two days and nights; his eyes are bent on the pool 
and he strains at his bonds to reach the water. 

GERONIMO 

[In a weak, gasping voice. ~\ 
Water . . . water. . . . By Thy great thirst on 
Calvary, O divine Master, send me surcease from this 
torment . . . send merciful death to end this slow 
torture ! Water . . . water ! {His head droops 
and he faints.) 



218 XILONA 

[Bats and owls are dhnly seen flitting through 
the gloom.^ 

[XiLONA descends the steps, carrying the torch 
and howl. She approaches Geronimo, un- 
binds him and lays him down: she gives him 
water and bathes his face. As he comes to 
himself she gives him to drink from the bowl: 
she lights a fire that illuminates the cavern.^ 

[AcHEL creeps stealthily down the steps and 
conceals himself behind the rocks in the back- 
ground.^ 

GERONIMO 

[Weakly.^ 
What ministering angel succours me and gives 
me new life ? 

XILONA 

Geronimo ... it is I, Xilona. Drink this ; it 
will give you strength. {She puts the bowl to his 
lips. ) 

GERONIMO 

You ! Who had condemned me to a lingering 
death, now bring me refreshment? Is this but to 
prolong my agonies? Do you come to feast your 
eyes on my sufferings? 

XILONA 

[ Weeping. ] 
Geronimo, must you always be hard and cruel 



XILONA 219 

to me? All, all I have sacrificed for you, and yet 
nothing matters save to be with you. In my blind 
rage I condemned you to death — but not to tor- 
ture. I thought you were dead until but an hour 
ago ; and see ! I am by your side to save you. To 
my love for you I have sacrificed my lover's love for 
me, and I have sent Xicotencal dishonoured to his 
death ; I have given my faithful Holcan to be slain, 
for love of you ; I have renounced m}^ faith, aban- 
doned my people, and my troops march with the 
Spaniards against the friends of my country — all 
for love of you. What have I left, if you now desert 
me.'' 

GERONIMO 

You bear the burden of your sins and the chastise- 
ment of your iniquity. Follow the light within : do 
penance and be converted. Become a Christian. 

XILONA 

I will. I will become a Christian, if you will show 
me the way. Will you not come with me and sustain 
me.'' There is a passage leading from this cavern to 
the great river that flows into the sea, and once 
there, we will cross to Yucatan. Oh! let us leave 
this land of strife and calamity ! Let us forget for- 
ever the misery and sorrow of these days and devote 
our lives to uplifting my poor people. 



220 XILONA 

GERONIMO 

Princess Xilona, God has marked you for His own. 
I perceive that there is enthroned within you a beau- 
tiful soul predestined by divine grace to work the sal- 
vation of your people. Your life and powers belong 
to them whom Providence has entrusted to you. 

XILONA 

I love my people, but must I starve my heart ? 

GERONIMO 

It is your soul you are starving. Your soul cries 
out for light, for grace to win your eternal salva- 
tion. You have sinned as great saints have sinned ; 
repent as they repented, and redeem your faults by 
harvesting souls in Yucatan. Embrace the Cross 
and you will win the crown. 

XILONA 

Teach me the faith. Make me a Christian. 

GERONIMO 

Above the horizon of this heathen land, saddened 
by the abominations of Satan's acolytes, the glorious 
sign of our salvation now rises. In the cross is life 
and joy of spirit; in the cross is health of soul and 
the pledge of bliss eternal. The road to paradise is 
the way of the cross. By my sacramental power, I 
will cheat the devil of your soul. I will give you a 



XILONA 221 

new name — the name of her who was chosen to bear 
the incarnate Saviour — for to you it is given to bear 
to the Indian nations of this new world their Re- 
deemer. I give you the ever-glorious name of Mary. 
Mary, I baptise thee. ... 

\_He baptises her with water from the pool, turn- 
ing his hack to the audience and leaving the 
remaining words inaudible. The figures of 
XiLONA and Geronimo are lighted hy the 
glare of the fire. Achel's face is seen in a 
reflected light as he watches them with impo- 
tent malignity,'] 

GERONIMO 

Blessed and sanctified shall be your soul, for it 
shall become the habitation of the spirit of truth and 
shall radiate throughout these nations which sin and 
groan in the night of ignorance, the blessed light 
of salvation. Great are the generations of holy 
women, servants of God, whom the decree of His 
vicar has elevated upon the altars of the Church uni- 
versal ; and in this august, never-ending procession 
that marches through the ages to its goal of eternal 
glory I see your form — Mary — Xilona — the 
first princess of your race to be ransomed by the lus- 
tral waters of baptism. 

XILONA 

Behold in me a servant of the Cross. I will see 



222 XILONA 

as you see, I will think as you think, I will feel as you 
feel. My life is henceforth consecrated to my peo- 
ple. 

GERONIMO 

And I will come to Labna and there cultivate the 
vineyard of the Lord: but not yet, for my place is 
now in Mexico. I must go to Mexico. 
[XiLONA gives him the torch.^ 

XILONA 

Follow the stream through the cavern : it will lead 
you to safety, outside the fortress, from whence the 
road to Mexico is before you. 

GERONIMO 

Farewell, Xilona. I go to Mexico. 

[He goes, hearing the torch. From the depths 
of the cavern he turns, raises the torch.^ 
Farewell, Mary ! 

XILONA 

Where you go, there will I follow, for I have no 
country where you are not, and I know no God whom 
you do not adore. 

[She ascends the steps.li 

[AcHEL, with a gesture of suppressed rage and 
determination, follows cautiously after her.~\ 



XILONA 223 



Scene IV 



XiLONA, AcHEL, Three Indians. 

In a forest. A clearing on the brow of a rocky cliffy 
above which towers the Aztec fortress. The 
background shows a stupendous view of the vol- 
cano, all white, with a red glow on its summit. A 
deep ravine separates the volcano from the scene 
in front. The moon has risen and throws a white 
light over the distant snowy slope, while the fore- 
ground is in a black shadow of the giant trees. To 
the left, on tlie brow of the cliff, projects a bough 
from which is hanging the body of General. Xi- 
COTENCAL. Guerrero has been burned alive, and 
his charred body still hangs in chains over glowing 
embers. On the left side another bough projects 
higher up. On this dead, leafless branch are 
perched two or three gigantic vultures, waiting for 
the dead bodies. A path descends from the for- 
tress above, at the end of which stands a gigantic 
stone idol. 

Enter Xilona, coming down from the fortress. She 
starts back on seeing the dead bodies. 

xilona 
\_Drawing her veil across her face to shut out 
the sight. 1 
Alas ! Alas ! what waters shall wash from my 



224 XILONA 

hands the guilt of this brave soldier's death? His 
life he prized little, but oh ! his honour — dearer than 
life — he sold for love of me, and was unrequited. 
I dare not look ! O God of the Christians, my first 
prayer to Thee is for mercy on this man, betrayed 
to a shameful death through loving over-much, and 
for pardon — pardon for my treachery to him and 
to his people ! 

\_She sees the vultures perching on the dead 

hough and waves her hands to frighten them, 

but they remain motionless.^ 

XILONA 

The vultures ! Fly hence, foul birds ! Touch noi 
the flesh of the dead brave ! Fly hence, fly hence ! 
Oh, let me begone from this tryst of horrors, the 
sight of which shatters me. 
[She starts to ^o.] 

\^Enter Achel, suddenly, from the fortress 
path.^ 

ACHEL 

This is a fit place for the last meeting between 
you and me, and with these witnesses and their 
watchers. 

\_He motions to the dead men and the birds.'] 

XILONA 

Stop me not. I go to Mexico, 



XILONA 225 

ACHEL 

To Mexico? Listen to my words, Xilona, daugh- 
ter of Labna. Your father gave you as a child into 
my keeping that I might fit you to succeed him, and 
our people never miss the heir the gods denied. 
Years of my life did I devote to teaching you all that 
a man-ruler should know. 

XILONA 

I was your creature, taught by your serpent wis- 
dom ; through my weak hands your rule over the na- 
tion would be supreme. 

ACHEL 

I delivered you to our people — a perfect woman 
to be their queen, but you have yielded to evil and 
betrayed your country and your faith. 

XILONA 

No ; 'tis you and your priests who have enslaved 
the souls of the people, the better to rule their bod- 
ies. Like a black cloud shutting off the sunshine 
from the earth, so have your evil inventions obscured 
the pure doctrine of our early faith. 

ACHEL 

Traitress, apostate! Behold your bridegroom 
(turns her forcibly so as to face the hanging man) — 
him who was foreordained to be your mate and father 
of a race of Maya in Yucatan. He was indeed a 



226 XILONA 

man, a man with every virtue, every grace; brave in 
war, wise in peace, tender in love: a child of fate 
set as standard-bearer of our race in its hour of 
greatest danger. From him you were turned by 
illicit love that struck like a doubly-poisoned dart 
into your heart, to follow a heathen stranger — a 
captive slave who mocked our gods, confederated 
with his countrymen to subjugate all Mexico, and 
who despises you. Give yet pause to this fond 
fancy, lest your name go down through all the com- 
ing cycles as that of a royal wanton, who sacrificed 
her people and gave herself, unsought, to their de- 
stroyer. 

XILONA 

Sir, your speech is both false and over-free. I 
have sinned, but I have sat in the dust of affliction 
and worn upon my head the ashes of compunction. 
By the sacramental power of a religion of mercy un- 
knowable to vampires of your breed, my repentance 
is made acceptable, and my soul is cleansed. Your 
power over me is broken and through me 3'^ou shall 
never rule, for I am a Christian. (She makes the 
sign of the cross.) The light of truth begins to 
shine through your darkness — it may yet shine on 
Labna and on my people. (She starts to go, but 
AcHEL intercepts her.) Stand from my path, for 
I want no more of you and your false gods. 



XILONA 2S7 

ACHEL 



You shall not go. 



XILONA 

Sir, am I not Princess in Labna? Obey. I go to 
Mexico — and to the Christians. 

^She moves forward. Achel, without a word, 
seizes her, draws his knife and plunges it into 
her breast.^ 

XILONA 

[Shrieking.^ 
The black wings ! Under the shadow of the wings ! 
I die ! 

[Her cloak drops front her shoulders , and she 
falls upon it. The moon's rays fall upon 
where she lies at the foot of a gigantic idol.'l 

ACHEL 

To the gods of Anahuac I offer my supreme and 
ultimate sacrifice — the life of Xilona, Princess of 
Labna. The hour of the downfall of our race has 
come. The strong men are betrayed by women. 
Treason everywhere amongst the tribes and peoples 
of Anahuac. Oh ! blind fools ! But for your treach- 
ery this great empire had not fallen. Your pay- 
ment shall be in kind, for your fatuous hopes of 
vengeance on the Mexicans shall be thwarted, and 
your traitors' souls be damned to all eternity. And 
you Mexicans who survive your country's ruin, hold 



228 XILONA 

us faithful ones in remembrance ! You shall greet 
one another with weeping in the accursed days to 
come. Your food shall be made bitter and your 
drink shall be made bitter in the days of your slavery 
to the stranger. Your voices shall forget to sing 
and your feet shall no longer dance, nor shall your 
sad eyes be gladdened by beholding things of joy. 
Amidst the future races of this land you shall be a 
silent people. The prophecies of old are now ful- 
filled ; and to-day the sun of Anahuac sets forever in 
a sea of blood, and the name of a great people be- 
comes but a memory. I am high priest of Yucatan. 
Never will I bow beneath the yoke of alien servitude, 
nor bend my knee before the Spanish god. 

\_He signals, and three Indians appear. They 
make a litter of hranches. Xicotencal's 
body is cut down and reverently laid upon the 
litter, which the men raise. The other In- 
dian lights a torch.^ 

ACHEL 

Come, Xicotencal, last of our warriors, last of our 
braves ! together with me, Achel, last of the priests ! 
Let us now go hence to our refuge within the holy 
mountain. Within its walls of ice there dwell the 
spirits of our kings and priests of old, guarded by 
the eternal fires that blaze from its summit. Into 
these fiery depths — our last, our only refuge — we 



XILONA 229 

will descend together — the last of the warriors and 
the last of the priests — together — together. 

[^The little procession forms. First the Torch- 
hearers, then the Bearers with the litter, and 
last AcHEL going up a steep path which ob- 
viously leads to the crater of the volcano. 
The body of Princess Xilona lies at the foot 
of the gigantic idol, where Achel has laid 
her. 
Geronimo, bearing aloft the torch, pushes aside 
the creepers that all but conceal the entrance 
to the cavern under the fortress, and enters. 
He presently perceives Xilona's body. He 
kneels beside her, raises her up and finds she 
is dead, with Achel's sacrificial knife beside 
her. With arms outstretched in prayer and 
his eyes raised to heaven, he exclaims:^ 

GERONIMO 

Xilona, virgin and martyr ! 

[A nimbus forms about her head, and the vul- 
tures drop silently into the abyss.^ 



CURTAIN 



Ill 

THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

A Comedy in Three Acts 



Characters 
SiSTO Santucci^ an escaped Convict. 
Don Marco di Teramo. 
GuiDO, Duke of Teramo, his elder brother. 
FiLippo DI Rossi^ a Neapolitan; Agent of the French 

Embassy. 
Marquis Dei Sestri, a gambler. 
Negroni, a doctor. 

MoNsiGNOR Serafini, Chaplain to the Duchess. 
Valentini, a lawyer. 
A Roman Cardinal. 
Gelasio, a footman at La Marinella's. 
Torquato, a footman. 
Duchess of Teramo. 

Mari 'Elena Santucci^ known as La Marinella. 
Countess Cavalese. 
Donna Angela, her daughter. 
Baroness Ottavia 



„ T^ ( Relatives to the Duchess. 

Donna trancesca ) 

Lady Charles Wicklow, an American divorcee. 

Mrs. Montgomery-Potts, her sister, a widow. 

Madame Dubosc, housekeeper at La Marinella's. 

Teresa, maid to the Duchess. 

Women of the demi-monde at La Marinella's; Noble- 
guards, French Oncers, Diplomats and Roman Gentle- 
men. 

The action of the play, which is laid in Rome in the 
year 1867, begins at seven o'clock in the evening and 
finishes at eleven the following morning. Two stage 
settings are required. One represents a stately, rather 
sombrely magnificent salon in a XVIIth Century Roman 
palace. The other represents a showy, garish room of 
the second empire. The costumes are in the height of 
the prevailing fashion of that period, showing great 
variety and every eccentricity affected by the belles and 
the fops of the day. 



ACT I 



ACT I 

(To play one hour) 

Scene I 

The private salon of the Duchess of Teramo; a 
stately, sombre room in the palatial Roman style; 
the walls are covered with red damask on which 
hang many portraits of ancestors ; the ceiling is of 
carved, gilded wood. Entrances through double 
doors set in Renaissance frames of mottled marble 
to the right and left front and in the centre back; 
also a small damask-covered door to the right 
back. Centre doors are open, showing room be- 
yond in which a charity bazaar is bei/ng held; peo- 
ple seen moving to and fro. A large open 'fire- 
place supported by caryatides and surmounted by 
a mirror in richly gilded frame, to the right; op^ 
posite it stands a massive inlaid cabinet with many 
drawers. The furniture consists of a pair of gilt 
consoles, right and left back; and of stiff, ponder- 
ous chairs, covered with damask; a round table 
near the fireplace, by which stands two throne- 
like armchairs. Before the fireplace stands a 

235 



236 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

large brass brazier of charcoals; a few chaises vo~ 
lantes of gilded wood and a three-panel screen of 
tapestry, about five feet high; there is no carpet 
on the floor, which is of coloured marbles laid in a 
pattern and highly polisJied. The room is lighted 
by candles in massive gilt candelabra on the chim- 
ney-piece and another on the table; the great 
chandelier has unlighted candles i/n it. To the 
left of the centre door hangs a large portrait of 
the late Duke, dressed as a Knight of Malta; this 
portrait Jiangs low down on the wall and stvings on 
hinges; it conceals the opening to a secret stair- 
case. The Duchess is seated at the tea-table; she 
is a handsome, dignified, distinguished-looking 
woman something past forty, beautifully hut 
rather soberly dressed in the best prevailing fash- 
ion. 

Eight persons are seated in the room besides the 
Duchess. Baroness Ottavia is a portly woman 
past fifty; she is dressed in dingy mourning and 
wears a mantilla and some massive old-fashioned 
cameo jewellery and carries a retictde containing 
a large prayer book; also a large rosary; she is 
dark-browed and swarthy, with a visible mous- 
tache and a conspicuous mole on her chin. 

Donna Francesca is a thin, nervous-looking old 
maid in the forties; she is fancifully dressed in a 
pathetic imitation of the prevailing fashions, car- 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 237 

ries a fan which she constantly manipulates, and a 
headed hag in which is a small mirror; she has 
quick y hird-Uke movements. 

Lady Charles is middle-aged, showily dressed, very 
artificial and affected; she has a very small dog, 
herihhoned, on a chain. 

Mrs. Montgomery Potts, portly, pompous, richly 
dressed. 

A Cardinal, correctly dressed, accompanied hy a 
Prelate, also correctly dressed, is seated near tea 
table. As curtain rises the Cardinal is taking 
leave and is escorted through centre doors hy the 
Duchess, followed hy the Prelate. Every one 
rises, ladies curtsey, etc. 

Negroni is shahhily dressed in colours; he is a mid^ 
die-aged man, wears an ohvious wig and has mous- 
tache and imperial. 

Valentini is a thick, ponderous man, dressed in 
shahhy hlack. 

ToRQUATo serves tea, etc. 

duchess 
[Rising to accompany Cardinal.] 
Your Eminence must really go.^^ 

cardinal 

The Canonical hour ; I am never out after the Ave 
Maria. I congratulate you, Duchess, on your suc- 
cessful bazaar. 



238 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

It was too kind of Your Eminence to come. We 
have done what we could. 

CARDINAL 

Ah, would that more followed jour example ! 
[Exeunt.^ 

LADY CHARLES 

Do let us sit down again ; standing is fatiguing. 

FRANCESCA 

Very good for one's figure though. 

LADY CHARLES 

Everything that is good for one is so tiresome. 
{Seats herself.) I'll stand some other time; just 
now, I must finish my tea comfortably. Isn't the 
Cardinal delightful? Nowadays one meets so few 
men like that amongst the clergy. 

NEGRONI 

It has been remarked that vocations to the priest- 
hood amongst the Roman aristocracy are diminish- 
ing in proportion to the shrinkage of the Pope's tem- 
poral dominions. 

OTTAVIA 

Negroni, don't be flippant. It is bad taste to joke 
about the clergy, especially before Protestants. 
(Glares at Mrs. Potts and Lady Charles.) 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 239 

^ LADY CHARLES 

\_Fussili/.'\ 
I am sure, Donna Ottavia, I feel just as Roman as 
you do ; I am devoted to the Pope. 

NEGRONI 

A Papist, but not a Catholic. 

LADY CHARLES 

And I am most interested in religion. I went to 
that French Abbe's sermons at St. Louis all during 
Lent and he almost converted me. 

OTTAVIA 

His sermons were not at all to my liking. 

NEGRONI 

He made religion so attractive, Donna Ottavia 
could hardly believe it was true. 

LADY CHARLES 

I loved to watch his dear, little, aristocratic, white 
hands. And I was told there was a mystery about 
him, about his birth. I am sure it is all true. 

MRS. POTTS 

Well, for my part I find Cardinals rather op- 
pressive in society and I never before saw one at a 
charity bazaar. Of course, the Duchess can get 
anybody she wants. Didn't I hear that Countess 



MO THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

Cavalese and her daughter had arrived from Milai\? 
I don't see them. 

FRANCESCA 

They arrived yesterday. They have gone to drive 
on the Pincio. 

MRS. POTTS 

I am crazy to see her. (Duchess resumes her 
place.) 

OTTAVIA 

My dear Duchess, you must be worn out ; you are 
a martyr to charity. 

DUCHESS 

It is a long time, Ottavia. I am accustomed to 
being tired. 

[Enter Marinella and Dubosc leisurely, cen- 
tre.^ 

MRS. POTTS 

I did want to see Countess Cavalese, but it is get- 
ting late, and everybody is going. (To Lady 
Charles.) She is sure to be at the Crescenzi ball 
to-night. 

LADY CHARLES 

Of course ; well, let us go then. 

MRS. POTTS 

[Staring -fixedly. '[ 
Good heavens ! Look, Delia ; look at that woman. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 241 

LADY CHARLES 

[Fwmhling her lorgnette.^ 
Who? Where? Mon Dieu! why, it is the dancer, 
La Marinella. 

MRS. POTTS 

Precisely ; sit down. 

LADY CHARLES 

Wild horses could not drag me from here till I 
have seen the end of this. 

FRANCESCA 

[^Sotto voce to Negroni.] 
Has the Duchess seen her? For sheer insolence! 
Something ought to be done, Negroni. 

NEGRONI 

Not by us ; the Duchess may be trusted to dispose 
of her. 

[Marinella has leisurely approached the tea- 
table; the Duchess sits rigid, ignoring her.^ 

MARINELLA 

I trust I am not taking too great a liberty by in- 
truding in your salon, Duchess. 

duchess 
[Icily.'] 
This room, Signora, is for to-day a salesroom, 
open to the public. 



242 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MARINELLA 

I had expected to meet your son, Don Guido, here, 
and to ask him to present me to you. 

DUCHESS 

I am compelled to ignore many of the Duke's ap- 
pointments and the persons to whom he gives them. 
{She rises.) 

MARINELLA 

Since I find myself in a public salesroom, I pre- 
sume I may purchase some tea. 

DUCHESS 

[To Footman,'] 
Torquato, serve the tea. 

[Exit into her room left. Torquato serves 
tea to Marinella and Dubosc, who stand.] 

DUBOSC 

[Angry.] 
Quelle impertinence! You had no business to 
come here, and I told you so. Bah ! even the tea is 
bad. 

MARINELLA 

It is charity tea, and consequently cold. What 

else can you expect from Pharisees. Pay the man. 

[DuBosc begins to count out money from her 

hag; Marinella impatiently seizes it, and 

throws a roll of notes on Footman*s salver. 

DuBosc scandalised.] 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 243 

MARINELLA 

[/w a loud voice.~\ 
If there is nothing else here for sale, we may go. 
\^Exeunt centre door. Exclamations as soon 
as they vanish.^ 

LADY CHARLES 

What do you say to that? 

MRS. POTTS 

Did you hear what she said about the Duke being 
here to introduce her to his mother? 

NEGRONI 

Guido is capable of it ; I only wonder he failed to 
turn up. 

FRANCESCA 

Guido is a beast. 

MRS. POTTS 

All Rome will ring with this. Even Don Guido 
will find such publicity too much. 

NEGRONI 

Guido is indifferent to publicity. He has adopted 
the principle that nothing more closely resembles in- 
nocence than indiscretion. 

OTTAVIA 

I am amazed to hear that he has adopted any 
principle — even a wrong one. 



244 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

NEGRONI 

A man who acts on principle is sure to become 
either dangerous or ridiculous, and a Duke of Te- 
ramo who drives with La Marinella in the Corso, 
nursing her pet dog, is both. 

FRANCESCA 

Oh, scandalous ! 

LADY CHARLES 

But nothing compared to giving her a rendezvous 
in his mother's salon. 
[E7iter Rossi.] 

ROSSI 

How d'ye do, Mrs. Montgomery-Potts? 

MRS. POTTS 

How d'ye do, Rossi.? 

ROSSI 

What is the American custom .^^ Does one con- 
gratulate your sister on her divorce.? 

MRS. POTTS 

I tell her she ought to send announcement cards 
to let people know she has resumed her first hus- 
band's name. She is now Lady Charles again. 

ROSSI 

It is really a form of social resurrection for poor 
old Lord Charles ; it will keep his memory green, and 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 245 

I see she has got the custody of the dog. How d'ye 
do, Lady Charles? How d'ye do, Donna Ottavia? 
(Sotto voce.) You heard about Lady Charles get- 
ting a divorce? 

OTTAVIA 

Divorce may be the custom amongst American 
tribes, but in Rome it is not recognised. I take no 
interest in milady whatever she calls herself; she is 
always getting into some mess. 

ROSSI 

This time she has just got out of one. How d'ye 
do, Francesca? 

FRANCESCA 

Here you are at last, Pippo, after everything is 
over and everybody gone. 

LADY CHARLES 

Why didn't you come to the bazaar, Rossi? 

ROSSI 

Not I ; I am not in favour of relieving the poor. 
Poverty is the only picturesque possession left us 
and I am opposed to abolishing it. Fancy Italy 
without beggars ! Just to please the Duchess, how- 
ever, I sent my contribution to the bazaar. 

FRANCESCA 

Yes, one of your charming watercolours. It is so 
nice for a man to paint. 



246 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

KOSSI 

Only as a pastime; 'pon my word I think it odi- 
ously vulgar to attach a money value to pictures. 

NEGEONI 

I never heard of anybody attaching money value 
to yours. 

LADY CHAELES 

What were we talking about when you came in? 
Oh, yes, of course, La Marinella. 

EOSSI 

A fruitful theme; what about her? 

FEANCESCA 

She has been here. 

LADY CHAELES 

In a ravishing Paris toilette. 

MES. POTTS 

Worth. 

EOSSI 

Well, after all, if the Duchess opens her house to 
the public, — 

NEGEONI 

To the public in a fashion, yes, but not to public 
women. 



« 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 247 

ROSSI 

Negroni, your sentiments reflect the collective ig- 
norance of the community. La Marinella is not a 
public woman. 

OTTAVIA 

She is a public scandal. 

LADY CHARLES 

If half one hears about her is true — however, I 
don't want to throw stones at her. 

ROSSI 

That shows your wisdom, Lady Charles ; women 
should never throw stones, for they can't throw 
straight. 

MRS. POTTS 

How old do you suppose she really is? 

ROSSI 

No idea ; younger than most women, I should say. 

LADY CHARLES 

That is of no consequence, a woman is as old as 
she looks. 

FRANCESCA 

[Aside to Negroni.] 
Let us hope that isn't true of Lady Charles. 

MRS. POTTS 

And then I suppose she was cleverly made up ; all 
actresses are. 



MS THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ROSSI 

Not any more ; they have ceased to want to be mis- 
taken for ladies. 

FRANCESCA 

Well, I thought her already too plump : let her 
think of herself at forty. 

ROSSI 

To preserve her illusions about the present is 
sufficient for any woman without thinking about the 
future. Thinking is a most unfeminine occupation 
and no beautiful woman should ever think at all. 

MRS. POTTS 

Ohj you are behind the times, Rossi ; the modern 
woman thinks. 

ROSSI 

Let her think twice then and she'll stop. La 
Marinella, you may be sure, is guided by an instinc- 
tive and subtle philosophy peculiar to her sex. She 
leads a life of pleasure, and pleasures are the best 
antidote to advancing age. 

NEGRONI 

Not an antidote, only a narcotic ; pleasures merely 
stupify, Pippo. 

ROSSI 

Strip life of its pleasures and you rob death of 
its terrors. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 249 

FRANCESCA 

[Giggling.] 
Oh, isn't he dreadful ! 

OTTAVIA 

Francesca, don't fidget. This conversation is too 
advanced for me. In my day ballet dancers and 
their wickednesses were not discussed in good society. 

ROSSI 

My dear Donna Ottavia, your memory is certainly 
inaccurate. My recollection is quite different, any- 
thing described as wicked has always been fascinat- 
ing. Where is the Duchess.^ 

FRANCESCA 

Gone to her room ; driven out of her own salon by 
La Marinella. 

VALENTINI 

[Sighs. 1 
Oh, Madonna mia! 

ROSSI 

That does not sound like her. The Duchess is 
not given to retreating. Is it true, Valentini, that 
Guido has put a second mortgage on the Castelfer- 
rato estate.'^ 

VALENTINI 

Eh? What? Oh, don't ask me! I know noth- 
ing — nothing about it. 



250 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

NEGRONI 

You are the family lawyer; it is your business to 
know. 

OTTAVIA 

It is Valentini's business to hold his tongue, and 
not talk family secrets for the entertainment of the 
town gossips. 

BOSSI 

With the historic Cellini plate exposed for sale at 
a Jew money-lender's, and the ball-room tapestries 
hanging in a Ghetto pawn shop, it is idle for the 
friends of Casa Teramo to play the ostrich, Baron- 
ess. Guido has mortgaged and sold, he has bor- 
rowed and begged until everybody avoids him, and 
it is now said he actually takes money from La 
Marinella. 

NEGRONI 

Such depravity is enough to make respectability 
fashionable in Rome. 

FRANCESCA 

That odious Guido ! How can any woman be in 
love with such a man ? 

ROSSI 

She is not in love with him. La Marinella never 
wastes her charms on the unprofitable: she only fas- 
cinates those who are worth fascinating. There is 



1 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 251 

some mystery. Why does she tolerate a man whose 
vices are as unattractive as most people's virtues. 

OTTAVIA 

Gesu Maria ! What a conversation ! 

FRANCESCA 

What is that dreadful gambling game they play at 
her house called? 

OTTAVIA 

Francesca ! At your age ! 

FRANCESCA 

I have not yet reached the age wh^n one parts com- 
pany with good manners. 

ROSSI 

They play rouge et noir and also baccarat. The 
Marquis dei Sestri usually takes the bank and he 
wins thousands for her every night. 

FRANCESCA 

The wicked monster. 

OTTAVIA 

Right under the shadow of St. Peter's dome ! 
This is the consequence of the Italian revolution and 
the French occupation. I foresaw it, I foretold it, 
and now the days of Antichrist are upon us ! 
{Crosses herself and resumes her prayers.) 



252 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

NEGRONI 

Eight thousand scudi a month and nothing less, 
I am told, she clears from her gaming-table alone. 
That is a pretty figure. Che diavolo! Why doesn't 
the government stop it? Where are the police? 

ROSSI 

It is an open secret that La Marinella is in the 
pay of the French. They say she enjoys high fa- 
vour in Paris — in fact, ahem 1 the very highest 
favour. 

FRANCESCA 

Napoleon ? Oh, you shocking Pippo ! 

NEGRONI 

The woman is a spy. 

LADY CHARLES 

Does any one know who she really is? 

ROSSI 

She is from Naples, and some say her father was a 
Carbonaro. I remember seeing her dance at the San 
Carlo twelve years ago. What dancing! All 
Naples was at her feet. That was just after the 
Duchess was left a widow and returned to Rome. 
Ah ! those were the brilliant days — that was life ! 
We shall never see the like of it again in Italy, cer- 
tainly not in Rome under Papal rule. Heavens ! 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 253 

we live in a sacristy here and the fashionable perfume 
is stale incense. When Naples became a province of 
the new Italy, La Marinella betook herself to fresh 
triumphs in Paris and I followed the Duchess, to 
Rome. And look now at the illustrious house of 
Teramo. Beggared, and Guido actually living on 
La Marinella's money ! 

FRANCESCA 

Suppose she means to marry him? 

VAI.ENTINI 

Oh, Madonna mia! 

OTTAVIA 

Oh ! Oh ! Oh ! The poor, dear Duchess would 
never survive the disgrace ! Her eldest son ! 

ROSSI 

We all know she wishes Guido were not that. If 
the Duchess had her way, it is Marco who would be 
Duke. 

NEGRONI 

If she really wants it so, thus it will somehow come 
about. The Duchess usually gets her way. 

ROSSI 

Even fifty years ago it would have still been easy 
enough to eliminate the obnoxious elder brother — 
a fresh fig for his breakfast or a cup of coffee after 



254 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

his dinner — but in these degenerate days, it is not 
to be thought of. All the good old Roman customs 
are vanishing. 

OTTAVIA 

\_S ever ell/. 1 
There are subjects better not discussed in this 
house. 

ROSSI 

But this is not one of them. The Duchess takes 
no pains to conceal her preference for Marco. 
Guido is his father's son while Marco is hers and. . . . 

OTTAVIA 

Pippo ! You are treading on delicate ground. 

NEGRONI 

Very indelicate ground, I call it. 

ROSSI 

Don't be silly, good people: I know the ground 
I am treading. When Marco comes out of his naval 
school a year hence he will be enjoyed as one of 
Nature's broadest practical jokes. Look at the 
faces of these Dukes of Teramo (indicating the por- 
traits) beginning with the late unlamented Gian- 
paolo, and all the way back to Elderico, who fought 
at Barletta. Is there one of them to whom Marco 
bears the smallest resemblance? If you want to be- 
hold his profile, look at the Neapolitan coinage of 
1850. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 255 

OTTAVIA 

l^Solemnly.^ 
Pippo di Rossi, remember the honour of the House 
of Teramo. 

ROSSI 

Nobody can remember what never existed. The 
House of Teramo is rich in honours but poor in hon- 
our. All the men were false and all the women faith- 
less, sums up its history. Our dear Duchess was 
married when hardly more than a child to a man 
double her age — and such a man ! Much may be 
forgiven an ill-mated couple, who have nothing, not 
even their dislikes, in common. 

FUANCESCA 

Oh, Pippo ! You are really too scandalous ! 

ROSSI 

Mysterious and awe-inspiring is the power of scan- 
dal. 

VALENTINI 

\_Sighs.'] 
Oh, Madonna mia! 

l^Enter the Duchess.] 

DUCHESS 

\_Smiling and saluting.^ 
Good evening, Pippo. Valentini, do count this 
money. {She gives him a bag.) I am sure we have 



^56 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

made a good round sum. I thought people would 
never leave. 

FRANCESCA 

As long as you were there, how could any one 
leave ? 

OTTAVIA 

You sacrifice yourself in a holy cause. San Pan- 
taleone says. . . . 

FRANCESCA 

Oh ! never mind what San Pantaleone says, Ot- 
tavia. You do seem to know talkative saints. 

OTTAVIA 

Don't be flippant, Francesca. It does not become 
your years. 

FRANCESCA 

Cultivate San Bruno — he never spoke at all. 

ROSSI 

Did my picture sell? 

DUCHESS 

Well, no, not precisely. But we raffled it at the 
end and got one hundred and sixty francs for it. 

ROSSI 

Very fair ! Very fair ! And who drew it ? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS S57 

DUCHESS 

Princess Crescenzi. 

ROSSI 

Excellent ! The Crescenzi Collection of water- 
colours is one of the best in Italy and the Princess 
Adela is a woman of exceptional taste — quite a 
critic — my little sketch will be in good company. 

DUCHESS 

As a matter of fact, Adela Crescenzi said she 
would give it to the Blind Asylum, of which she is 
patroness. 

NEGRONI 

Just the place for it! 

[Francesca giggles, hut the others look sur- 
prised and severe, so she changes to a cough.^ 

OTTAVIA 

Francesca ! don't fidget. 

ROSSI 

[Peevishly,'] 
Stop your silly tittering, Francesca. 

MRS. POTTS 

All Rome was at the bazaar, I suppose.? 

DUCHESS 

So it seemed to me. Everybody one knew and 
hordes of people I never set eyes on — and such peo- 



258 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

pie. Still, I noticed the most objectionable-looking 
ones spent the most mone}^ Have you finished 
counting, Valentini? 

VALENTINI 

All but the small coin, Your Excellency. There 
are more than eight hundred scudi; the odds and 
ends will easily make it eight hundred and fifty. 

DUCHESS 

Never mind the odds and ends. Put it back in 
the bag. 

l^She takes the hag and puts it in one of the 
cabinet drawer s.l^ 

FRANCESCA 

Oh, splendid! What a successful bazaar! 

ROSSI 

And the Countess Cavalese and Donna Angela — 
where are they.^ 

FRANCESCA 

[Ecstatically.'] 
Sweet creature. Donna Angela! 

OTTAVIA 

The name of Cavalese has a bad odour in Rome. 
Liberals from Milan: and Giulio Cavalese was a 
friend of Cavour, and even of Garibaldi. {She 
crosses herself.) 



I 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 259 

DUCHESS 

I sent them to drive on the Pincio. I was really 
too tired to go, and besides, I had to stop at home 
to meet Marco. 

FRANCESCA 

Oh, the dear boy ! 

ROSSI 

What is Marco doing in Rome at this season? 

DUCHESS 

That I don't know. I wrote him I would take the 
Cavaleses to Gaeta the day after to-morrow, to see 
him and visit the ships. Instead of waiting for us, 
he sent me a message last night, saying he would ar- 
rive this evening for a stay of only twenty-four 
hours. That is all I know. 

LADY CHARLES 

Impatient to see Donna Angela, no doubt. 

ROSSI 

Ah ! la jeunesse! la jeunesse! 

OTTAVIA 

It is very unfortunate they should be Milanese — 
such a revolutionary place. San Carlo Borro- 
meo. . . . 



260 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ROSSI 

The property is also Milanese; and I understand 
it is a very fine one. 

FRANCESCA 

Mercenary ! I am sure Donna Angela seems quite 
like a Roman. 

MRS. POTTS 

She will Romanise fast enough. 

ROSSI 

You forget Don Marco is a Neapolitan. 

OTTAVIA 

[^Contemptuously.~\ 
There are no Neapolitans — they are now all 
Italians — whatever that means ! 

LADY CHARLES 

Well, I think the Cavalese too lovely and so clever. 
I hear she has written a book. 

OTTAVIA 

She is sure to be on the Index. 

ROSSI 

She would look better as a frontispiece. What a 
complexion ! 

FRANCESCA 

C'est merveilleux ! How does she do it? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 261 

DUCHESS 

She eats an apple every morning. 

FRANCESCA 

[^Excited. ] 
An apple ! That sounds simple. {She looks at 
herself in a vanity glass.) 

OTTAVIA 

It sounds suspicious. All the troubles of this 
world began with a woman eating an apple. 

DUCHESS 

Do forgive me, dear friends, but I must send you 
all away. I expect Marco any minute — in fact, he 
should now be here, and I want to see him alone be- 
fore Cavalese's return. 

[All rise to take leave, with many exclamations 
and gestures. Lady Chari^es and Mrs. 
Potts off together , first.'] 

OTTAVIA 

Good night, dear Duchess. I wanted to talk to 
you about the pilgrimage to the Holy House of 
Loretto — you must be one of our patronesses ; but 
another time will do. I have a meeting of the 
Rosary Society at my house in half-an-hour, after 
which we must finish the novena for the holy souls in 
purgatory. 



S62 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ROSSI 

The rake's progress ! 

\_Exit Ottavia.] 
Good night, Duchess. Do we meet at the Cres- 
cenzi's ball? 

DUCHESS 

You know I never go to balls, Rossi. 

ROSSI 

Therefore they seem dull affairs to me. But what 
can I do? I must go. 

DUCHESS 

Take a night off and rest. 

ROSSI 

Impossible. If it were work I might, but this is 
amusement. Ah ! tempi passati! tempi passati! 
(Exit.) 

FRANCESCA 

I thought you might be taking the Cavaleses to 
the ball. 

DUCHESS 

No, not even for Donna Angela will I begin again 
to go to late affairs. Oh, Francesca ! I told Teresa 
you were to have those white lace flounces of mine. 
I hope you will like them. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 263 

FRANCESCA 

Oh ! a thousand thanks. They are point d'Alen- 
9on and too heavenly ! My dress is rose-colour — 
the flounces will make it perfect — a dream, a 
dream ! Good-night, dear Duchess ! I must see 
Teresa. Lace flounces ! (Exit.) 

NEGRONI 

Fancy Donna Francesca in rose-colour and white 
lace flounces ! 

DUCHESS 

Ah ! Negroni, Francesca is fortunate enough to 
be still able to wear rose-colour — to see things rose- 
colour. Such easy consolations are not given to all 
of us. Good-night, dear friend. 

NEGRONI 

^[Kissing her hand.~\ 
Everything is rose-colour to those who possess 
your friendship. {Exit.) 

DUCHESS 

If you have any news for me, Valentini, it is sure 
to be bad, so we will let it wait until to-morrow. 

VALENTINI 

There is nothing of importance. Your Excellency. 
My profoundest homage. (Exit.) 

[^Enter Teresa, crossing Valentini at the 
door.^ 



264 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

[ToRQUATO extinguishes some candles; closes 
centre doors and removes the tea tahle.^ 

TERESA 

Don Marco has arrived and asks for Your Excel- 
lency. 

DUCHESS 

Yes! Yes! Show him in. Where is he? And, 
Teresa, bring my chocolate. 
[Exit Teresa.] 

[Enter Marco. He is aged twenty: is hand- 
some and wears a naval cadet's uniform.^ 

MARCO 

Madre cara! Ah! madre cara! {He embraces 
her.) 

duchess 
Marco carissimo! 

MARCO 

Teresa said you were expecting me, so I did not 
wait to be announced. 

duchess 

Ah ! my dear son ! What a pleasure to see you ! 
Let me look at you. Why, what a big man you have 
grown ! I am losing my little son — - my sailor boy. 

MARCO 

No, you are not, madre cava; I am ashamed to 
grow up so fast. But nothing will ever make you 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 265 

look a day older: call me your younger brother, no- 
body will ever know the difference. 

DUCHESS 

You are learning to flatter. Do they teach this 
in the Italian navy? But why are you suddenly 
here? Your message saying you were coming al- 
most alarmed me. 

MARCO 

I had to see you at once, mother; I could not 
wait a day. 

DUCHESS 

Sit down — here by me, where I can see your face 
and hold your hand. Ah ! Marco, how I miss you ! 
You are my only joy, my only consolation. 

MARCO 

But you have Guido here. . . . 

DUCHESS 

Guido ! Don't speak to me of your brother, 
Marco ! He is ruining himself and all of us. 

MARCO 

Wasting his substance on the beautiful Marinella, 
I hear. 

DUCHESS 

You hear such things even in Gaeta? 

MARCO 

Even in Gaeta. 



266 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

We will not spoil this precious hour talking of 
Guido. Let us talk about you, my son. Now, why 
have you come? 

MARCO 

Well, you see, mother, it is like this : I got your 
letter saying you were bringing Countess Cavalese 
and her daughter to Gaeta. 

DUCHESS 

Well, why did you not wait two days and see us 
there ? 

MARCO 

Because I read between the lines of what you wrote 
about Donna Angela — about her beauty — and her 
fortune. . . . 

DUCHESS 

I meant you to do that, Marco. You are young 
in years to think of marriage, but your future is so 
uncertain that I feel this opportunity should not be 
lost. You are the cadet of our house — unhappily 
— and there is no provision for you. Even the 
little I had saved for you is vanishing — eaten up 
by Guido's extravagance. I have had to sacrifice 
to him the sums I had put aside for you. 

MARCO 

You had to.^ 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 267 

DUCHESS 

For very shame's sake: to stave off a little longer 
the disgrace he seems bent on bringing upon us all ; 
and now when ruin is literally at our door, appears 
my old friend, Maria Cavalese, with her only daugh- 
ter, sole heiress to immense properties ; and beauti- 
ful, and charming. I have not written you half 
enough about her, because I want you to discover 
for yourself how lovely she is. 

MARCO 

Don't, mother, don't talk of it! That is why I 
have come, I don't want to see Donna Angela, I don't 
want to hear about her. It was to prevent you from 
compromising yourself or me with her mother that I 
hastened to Rome. I cannot marry Donna Angela. 

DUCHESS 

You have not even seen her. What can you have 
against Angela Cavalese.'^ 

MARCO 

She is a woman. 

DUCHESS 

That is hardly an objection to marrying her. 

MARCO 

Yes, it is. She is the wrong woman. 

DUCHESS 

Do you mean to say there is a right woman .'^ 



268 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MARCO 

Yes. 

DUCHESS 

Who is she? 

MARCO 

I don't know who she is: that is another reason 
why I have come — to find out. 

[^Enter Teresa. She carries a silver tray with 
chocolate. '\ 

TERESA 

Your Excellency's chocolate. 

DUCHESS 

Put it on the console and leave the room. 

\_EHt Teresa.] 
To find out, did you say? 

MARCO 

Yes, to find out. Listen, mother, and I will tell 
you my story, for it is not long. 

DUCHESS 

Long or short, I must hear every word of it. Go 
on. 

MARCO 

It happened like this. You remember I had some 
conditions from my June exams to work off, and so 
was kept in Gaeta during the September holidays? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 269 

DUCHESS 

Yes, indeed. It was a cruel disappointment to me 
that you could not come home. Well.^^ 

MARCO 

Every morning about nine o'clock, I rowed myself 
a league down the coast to a small inlet where I used 
to swim and then take a sun-bath in the warm sands. 
The little cove was quite shut in and, I thought, en- 
tirely solitary ; but one day as I lay there, a red rose 
dropped upon me. I looked at the thick shrubbery 
on the bank above me, but saw no one ; I fell to won- 
dering, when presently a second rose dropped upon 
me. This time I sprang to my feet and there, framed 
in the jasmine a few feet above my head, I saw a face 
— the most beautiful face in the world — as beauti- 
ful as yours, madre cava! 

DUCHESS 

A face! Whose face? 

MARCO 

Elena's. 

DUCHESS 

Elena ! A woman ? Spying on you when you 
were naked? 

MARCO 

Well — all but — 

DUCHESS 

The shameless creature ! 



270 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MARCO 

Oh no ! She is a widow. 

DUCHESS 

A widow? 

MARCO 

I found that out afterwards. At the time — for 
a moment, I really did not think about clothes — I 
only thought of the beautiful vision framed in the 
jasmine. 

DUCHESS 

That may explain your forgetfulness of propriety, 
but it does not excuse her immodesty — her effron- 
tery ! 

MARCO 

As soon as I realised, I covered myself with the 
bath towel. 

DUCHESS 

The bath towel ! 

MARCO 

It was quite a large one. 

DUCHESS 

And then what happened? 

MARCO 

We began to talk. 

DUCHESS 

About what? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 271 

MAECO 

About ourselves : I asked her if I might come up to 
where she was, or would she come down ; but she said 
we must stop where we were. I don't know exactly 
what we did say. I suppose we talked as people do 
under such circumstances. 

DUCHESS 

The circumstances are fortunately so rare, I can 
imagine no rules to govern them. 

MARCO 

Then we told one another our names — only our 
Christian names, for she would not tell me her family 
name ; she said she did not care who I was and would 
rather not know. She would call me Marco and I 
must call her Elena, and that was enough ; she would 
not tell me her family name. 

DUCHESS 

Probably she has none. 

MARCO 

Oh, yes, she has ; she has an aunt. 

DUCHESS 

That shows some forethought; but aunts abound. 
Even the most improvident may have an aunt. 

MARCO 

She said she was staying at her aunt's villa just 



^n THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

above the cove and that she also bathed there every 
morning at eight o'clock ; then she disappeared. 
The next morning I came at eight o'clock — and so 
it began. Oh, madre cara! I know it sounds 
strange and unconventional — I realise how hard it 
is to make you understand. But at the time — in 
our little cove by the blue sea, everything seemed 
natural and right — just like in paradise. 

DUCHESS 

There was a serpent in paradise. 

MARCO 

There was none in ours ; Elena came, every morn- 
ing with her aunt and her maid, who gave us choco- 
late and pineapple sherbet after our swim, while we 
sat under her white umbrella in the warm golden 
sands. Then they went up the clifF to their villa, 
and I rowed back to Gaeta. It only lasted a week. 

DUCHESS 

A week is a long time for paradise. 

MARCO 

The last day came and Elena told me they were 
returning to Rome, where she was to stay with her 
aunt, Mme. Dubosc. 

DUCHESS 

Dubosc? French, evidently, but I never heard 
of any Madame Dubosc amongst the French colony 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 273 

in Rome. Naturally I would hardly hear of women 
given to indulging in such bohemian antics as you 
describe. 

MARCO 

[^Resignedly.^ 
I can't make you see how simple it all was. 

DUCHESS 

Your simplicity is evident enough — as evident as 
her indelicacy, to use no stronger term. 

MARCO 

Mother ! you must not speak so of Elena ; she is to 
be my wife, for I can never love any other woman. 
I cannot live without her! I love her! Oh, how i 
love her! 

DUCHESS 

This is simply madness. We are too poor, Marco, 
to be romantic — romance is exclusively the privi- 
lege of the rich. You say this woman is beautiful ; 
it is doubtless her business to be beautiful, for beauty 
is a very marketable possession. As for love, the 
term is elastic, so we will not discuss that, but when 
you talk of marriage — you at twenty and penni- 
less — with a woman of whom you know absolutely 
nothing, not even her name, you rave. And a widow 
too ! Whose widow ? She must be years older than 
you. 



^74 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MABCO 

No ! She is as young and fair as a goddess. 

DUCHESS 

Then she can't be a widow, and there is but one 
conclusion to be drawn when a young woman mas- 
querades in fictitious weeds. She is scheming to en- 
tangle you. 

MARCO 

But how can that be, when she would not even tell 
me her name and said we should never meet again? 

DUCHESS 

She understands the seduction of mystery. Did 
she give you no clue to her whereabouts in Rome? 

MARCO 

She gave me her aunt's address. 

DUCHESS 

l^Lauglimg in spite of herself.^ 
Oh, you naive child! 

MARCO 

But I made her give it to me. 

DUCHESS 

Of course you did — she saw to that. Now listen 
to me, Marco. I want you to promise not to visit 
these women until I have made enquiries about them. 
Give me the address. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 275 

MARCO 

No, I can't promise. I have come to Rome to find 
Elena, and I must see her to-night ; there is no time 
to make inquiries, for I must return to Gaeta to- 
morrow. 

DUCHESS 

There is plenty of time. I will send Valentini to 
the chief of police ; there they know everything about 
everybody in Rome, especially foreigners. Within 
an hour we shall have precise information. 

MARCO 

The police ! Never ! It would be an indignity to 
set police spies on my Elena! 

DUCHESS 

To consult the police register of foreigners living 
in Rome puts no indignity on any one. I may be 
wrong about these women, without your being right, 
but even you can hardly expect me to consent to 
your marriage with a woman of whose antecedents' 
and present position you can tell me absolutely noth- 
ing. 

MARCO 

I don't care what they are — she does not care 
what mine are; we are just two human hearts des- 
tined to complete one another and be happy. Surely 
you want me to be happy? You would not want me 
to marry a woman I did not love? 



276 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

The happiest marriages are not those which be- 
gin, but those which end with love. I promise you, 
Marco, that if upon enquiry we discover this Ma- 
dame Dubosc to be a lady of reputable position in 
her own country and that the young woman is a 
proper wife for you, I will not oppose you. What 
more can you possibly ask? Before I see these 
women I must know who they are. When I have 
seen them, I will tell you what they are. 

MARCO 

[Coawingli^.l 
You will love Elena, just as I did, at first sight, 
for we are alike, you and I, madre car a. {He seeks 
to embrace her.) 

DUCHESS 

[Repulsing /im.] 
No, Marco, this is not a new toy for w^hich you are 
coaxing a fond mother. From this time forth I 
shall no longer treat you as a boy but as a man. We 
will put sentiment aside and act according to com- 
mon sense. You may rely upon my shedding no 
tears and making no appeal to the affection I have 
supposed you felt for me. 

MARCO 

Supposed I felt ! You know, mother, that my 
love for you is boundless, that I. . . . 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 277 

DUCHESS 

[Coldly.] 
No ! I know nothing, save that you are disobey- 
ing me, disappointing me and causing me the great- 
est pain I have ever known in all my life. All the 
care and love of which my heart is capable have been 
given to you — to you alone. Now I see that I 
really count for nothing at all in your life. Guido's 
conduct has humiliated my pride, but it was left for 
you to break my heart — for only you could touch 
it. 

[Marco tries to approach her^ but she turns 
coldly away.] 

[Enter Teresa.] 

TERESA 

Countess Cavalese and Donna Angela have re- 
turned and ask for Your Excellency. 

DUCHESS 

Show them in. 

[Rising.] 
I shall go then. 

DUCHESS 

No, please remain : these ladies are guests under 
our roof, and since you are here, you will do your 
duty as their host. 



MAECO 



278 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 



MARCO 

But I don't want to see them — it is surely much 
better for me not to see them. 

DUCHESS 

Marco, j^ou will do as I bid you this evening. 
You will remain here. 

[Enter Countess Cavalese and Donna An- 
gela. Countess Cavalese is a middle-aged 
woman; beautifully and very faMonably 
dressed; her manner is vivacious and her 
speech decided: she has a managing disposi- 
tion. Donna Angela is a fresh, pretty girl 
of eighteen, over-shadowed by her mother; 
she is an accomplished coquette, however, of 
the demure type, and during the scene she is 
using her eyes on Marco with visible effect: 
she is exquisitely dressed in light colours or 
white, everything about her as dainty and 
charming as possible. Don Marco begins by 
being stiff, almost sidky, but visibly thaws 
under An GBiLA*s coquetries.^ 

COUNTESS 

Well, my dear Isabella, here we are back. Such 
a crowd on the Pincio ! And in the Corso as well ; 
the horses fairly crawled the entire way. It re- 
minded me of my father-in-law's funeral. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 279 

DUCHESS 

This is my son, Marco ; Donna Angela. 
[Marco bows.^ 

COUNTESS 

[Expressively. ] 
How delightful to see you again, Don Marco. It 
is a long time, but I should have known you any- 
where : you are really not much changed. 

DUCHESS 

He was aged four when you last saw him, Maria ; 
so I don't know whether you mean to be flattering 
or not. Sit down : Marco will talk with you while I 
go and change my dress. He was so impatient to 
see Angela that he could not wait for us to come to 
Gaeta, but rushed up to Rome. 

[^Exit Duchess into her room.^ 

COUNTESS 

So like a sailor ! Such daring, impetuous fellows, 
Angela adores sailors, don't you, dear.^ 

ANGELA 

[Timidly, hut shooting a glance at Marco.] 
Well, mamma, I never saw ... 

COUNTESS 

And the sea, and the ships, and all the stories 
about whales. Now let us sit down and make ac- 



280 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

quaintance. Angela, my love, sit there. Do tell us 
about the whales, Don Marco ; it will be so interest- 
ing. 

MARCO 

[Stiffly.] 
I never saw one. There are no whales in the 
Mediterranean. 

COUNTESS 

Of course not ! How stupid of me ! Come to 
think of it, I meant sharks. I know you have seen 
sharks and could tell us thrilling tales about them: 
but don't be too realistic or you will frighten Angela. 
(To Angela.) You must not be frightened at Don 
Marco's stories about sharks, my dear; sailors' 
stories are never true. 

ANGELA 

No, mamma. 

MARCO 

We don't have sharks at Gaeta, Countess. I am 
afraid the only one I ever saw was in the aquarium 
at Naples. 

COUNTESS 

That was much safer. I think all such monsters 
should be kept in aquariums, especially in Naples. 
It educates the people, and I am told the Neapoli- 
tans are dreadfully ignorant. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 281 

MARCO 

The Neapolitans have very little to learn from 
sharks. 

COUNTESS 

Oh ! naughty, naughty ! I would not have dared 
say that about the Neapolitans, but it is each one's 
privilege to abuse his own people. Are you here for 
long, Don Marco? 

MARCO 

I have only twenty-four hours' leave. I return to 
Gaeta to-morrow afternoon. 

COUNTESS 

How very flattering your coming! Not for me 
— you never came all the way from Gaeta to see an 
old woman like me — but for Angela. You do feel 
flattered, don't you, my dear.'' 

ANGELA 

Yes, mamma. 

COUNTESS 

That is right. One need never believe flattery, 
but one should always enjoy it. We don't renounce 
our visit to Gaeta, however, Don Marco. Angela 
loves the sea, and she is dying to go on board the 
warships. She must sing you some of her sailor 
songs. How does that one " My Rover Bold " go, 
Angela? " I love my rover bold, tra-la-la-la." 



282 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

{She liiims.) Something like that. Such a prett)^ 
song, especially with a guitar accompaniment ; but 
I never allow her to sing the last verse, for it ends 
sadly — quite harrowing, in fact. 

MARCO 

I am afraid I am not very musical. 

COUNTESS 

Indeed? Why, I thought all sailors sang and 
danced. The boatmen on Lake Como are very musi- 
cal. One of them at Bellagio last summer danced 
an English step. What was it called, Angela.? 

ANGELA 

The hornpipe, mamma. 

COUNTESS 

Yes, that is it. Don't you dance the hornpipe, 
Don Marco .^^ 

MARCO 

Officers don't dance hornpipes. 

COUNTESS 

Well, I thought it a very pretty and spirited 
dance. The Italian navy should adopt English cus- 
toms. We are all very English now-a-days in Pied- 
mont and Lombard}^ Where would United Italy be 
if it were not for the English.? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 283 

MARCO 

Perhaps the Romans feel under less obligation 
towards them. 

COUNTESS 

Naturally: the Romans, being indebted to every- 
body, are grateful to nobody. I am so glad you 
are not a Roman, Don Marco. Of course your dear 
mother is quite an exception ; but she has lived so 
long in Naples and is altogether so clever and charm- 
ing, she seems quite like a foreigner amongst them. 
I think it shows a fine spirit on your part going 
into the Italian navy instead of lounging about the 
Corso all day. It is such a career for a young man 
and is becoming every day more popular — far more 
so than the army, though I really can't see exactly 
why it should be. 

ANGELA 

Because a sailor has a wife in every port. 

MARCO 

Oh! 

COUNTESS 

Heavens ! child, where did you ever hear that ^ 

ANGELA 

My English governess, Mrs. Bartlett, told me so. 

COUNTESS 

And what, pray, does Bartlett know about it.^ 



284 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ANGELA 

Her husband is a sailor. 

COUNTESS 

I did not know she had one. Where is he? 

ANGELA 

She does not know, but she thinks he is in one of 
the other ports. 

COUNTESS 

Well, I don't wonder. (To Marco.) Bartlett 
is a very superior person — most painstaking and 
methodical in teaching Angela English, but she is a 
Scotch Presbyterian of unprepossessing appearance 
and very grim views of conduct, so it is quite ex- 
plicable that her husband should seek distraction in 
foreign ports; but that does not justify her asper- 
sions on His Majesty's navy. I shall reprimand 
Bartlett severely. 

MARCO 

\_Smiling.~\ 
The wife in every port is not one of the English 
customs you would like introduced into the Italian 
navy, Countess.^ 

COUNTESS 

Dear me! No. At least, not amongst the offi- 
cers. For the sailors, poor things, it might be tol- 
erated; the women of the lower classes are so rarely 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 285 

attractive, and then it is reported our maritime 
population is decreasing. {Glances at her watch.) 
How late it is ! We can't talk any more just now 
about sharks and hornpipes, for we are dining at 
half-past eight at the Spanish Embassy, and going 
later to Princess Crescenzi's ball. Perhaps you are 
coming to the dance. 

MARCO 

I did not know there was to be one. 

COUNTESS 

That makes no difference; the Princess will be 
only too charmed, I am sure. You see, Angela, Don 
Marco is eager to come, so you must keep him a 
dance or two, won't you, dear.^^ 

ANGELA 

Oh, mamma. . . , 

COUNTESS 

If you will pick us up at the Spanish Embassy 
at eleven, we will all go on together. That would 
be perfect. 

\_Enter Duchess. She is dressed in a neglige 
costume of soft silky much heUovMced.^ 

countess 
Don Marco is just arranging to come for us at 
the Embassy and drive to the Crescenzi's. 



286 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

I was reproaching myself for not going with you. 
Angela's first ball, too ! But you see, Maria, I have 
quite given up balls ^^ears ago. With Marco to 
look after you, you won't miss me. 

MARCO 

But I have no clothes. 

DUCHESS 

[^Significantli/.~\ 
You won't mind the absence of clothes. 

COUNTESS 

What could be more charming than this uniform? 

MARCO 

l^Saluting.'j 
Very well. Countess, I shall call for you at eleven. 
Good night, mother. 

COUNTESS 

Au revoir, then, at the Spanish Embassy. An- 
gela dear, go to your room and get ready to dress. 
I shall follow immediately. If you don't know your 
way, Don Marco will show you. 

ANGELA 

Oh, I do know my way perfectly, mamma. 

COUNTESS 

No, you don't. You are sure to get lost in this 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 28T 

huge palace. I confide j^ou to Don Marco ; don't let 
her get lost. 

\_Exeunt Angei^a and Marco by centre door.^ 

COUNTESS 

They make a charming couple, Isabella ; Marco is 
fascinating. 

DUCHESS 

Fascination is very well in a lover, in a husband it 
is superfluous. How did they get on together.^ 

COUNTESS 

Angela is half in love with him already ; I could 
see that. 

DUCHESS 

And Marco, how was he? Did he talk? 

COUNTESS 

A little shy, perhaps — only natural and very be- 
coming in a sailor. Besides, Angela is such a little 
chatterbox, Marco did not have to talk much. 

[Enter Monsignor Serafini from small door, 
left hack. He is a typical Roman priest of 
the middle-class, well dressed in cassock, with 
purple buttons and stock, wearing a large 
cloak with cape, and carries his broad- 
brimmed hat with purple tassels in one hand: 
purple stockings, buckled shoes, grey hair 
surmounted by zu£chetto of black.l^ 



288 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

Ah, Monsignor. Are you leaving for Viterbo? 

SERAFINI 

Yes, Your Excellency. I bring you the keys of 
my room and the chapel. 

DUCHESS 

Very well. And have you found some one to cata- 
logue the manuscripts.'^ 

SERAFINI 

I have a man in view, and on my return the work 
shall be begun, 

DUCHESS 

Very good. By the by, did you hear any par- 
ticulars about the prisoner who escaped yesterday 
morning from St. Angelo.'* 

SERAFINI 

No, Your Excellency, except that he was a very 
old man who had been many years in the dungeons 
there — so long, in fact, that nobody now knows who 
he was or why he was put there. It seems his rec- 
ord has been lost or mislaid. 

DUCHESS 

Ah? Well, it does not matter. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 289 

COUNTESS 

Does not matter? It is dreadful! I heard the 
gun fired early yesterday morning, and it gave me 
the shivers as I lay in bed, even before I knew what 
it meant. When they told me it was the signal for 
the pursuit of an escaped prisoner, I prayed, and I 
have ever since prayed, that he might get away. 

SERAFINI 

He will hardly do that. He dug under the walls 
and got into an underground passage or sewer that 
leads only to the Tiber ; but he won't stop there long, 
or the rats will eat him ; while if he comes out, the 
patrol boats are watching for him and will surely 
catch him. If Your Excellency has no further com- 
mands, I will take my leave. 

DUCHESS 

Good night, Monsignore; and buon viaggio. 

SERAFINI 

Grazia. Good night. Your Excellency. Coun- 
tess. 

[^Exit Serafini, left.^ 

COUNTESS 

Think of that unhappy old man ! Kept like a 
wild beast in an underground dungeon for years and 
years, until nobody even knows who he is or why he 



290 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

was put there ! What a barbarous prison system ! 
No wonder Sir Gladstone branded the Neapolitan 
government as the *' negation of God " — and the 
Pope's is no better. 

DUCHESS 

My dear Maria, these sentiments may be popular 
in Milan, but I must caution you not to express them 
in Home. 

COUNTESS 

I would cry them from the house-tops ! What 
would I not do to help that wretched man to escape 
his pursuers ! Think of a human being, crawling 
through sewers, pursued by rats and the police — 
vermin both of them ! — But if he is wise, he will 
trust the rats 

DUCHESS 

The man was doubtless a conspirator of the vilest 
type : a paid assassin of one of the secret societies. 
Believe me, j^our sympathy is misplaced ; in any case, 
premature. Do you realise the time? Your dinner 
is in half an hour. 

COUNTESS 

So it is. And yours, my dear? When do you 
dine ? 

DUCHESS 

Teresa has brought me some chocolate. Since 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS ^91 

ni}' cook has gone into politics, I have given up din- 
ing. 

COUNTESS 

Wise woman. Well, I fly. 

DUCHESS 

I don't envy you. Prepare yourself for a dull 
dinner. You know everybody collects something in 
these days, and the Spanish ambassadress collects 
bores. 

COUNTESS 

How restful ! Excellent preparation for meeting 
the lions I shall find at the Crescenzi's. I am told 
Adela's salon is a regular menagerie. Good night, 
my dear. 

\_Exit Countess.] 

DUCHESS 

Good night, and buon divertimento! 
[Enter Teresa.] 

duchess 
Well, Teresa, what is it? Give me my chocolate. 
[Teresa places the chocolate on the table.^ 

TERESA 

His Excellency the Duke is here. 

duchess 
At this hour ! Did you not say I had retired and 
could see no one? 



S9S THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

TERESA 

Yes, Your Excellency, but ... 

l^Eiiter GuiDO. He is a rakish, dissipated- 
looking man of twenty-four: dark and swar- 
thy, with a sneering, scoffing manner and in- 
tonation. He is handsome and smartly 
dressed. He nonchalantly kisses her hand.'] 

GUIDO 

She did her little best, madre mia, so don't scold 
the wench. 

\^Exit Teresa, abashed.] 

The poor girl is not fit for your service ; she lies 
most clumsily. 

DUCHESS 

Teresa has only been a short time in Rome. 

GUIDO 

Fortunate girl, to begin in such a good school ! 

DUCHESS 

Your visits are so rare, Guido, I was not expect- 
ing you. 

GUIDO 

Your cordiality suggests that this one should be 
brief. I got a message from you a day or so ago, 
saying you wished to see me — so here I am. 

DUCHESS 

You have taken your own time. I never see you 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 293 

any more: I don't even know whether you still live 
under this roof. 

GUIDO 

Of course I do. Where else should I live? 

DUCHESS 

I don't dare to ask, and I don't want to know. 
Your uncle, Cardinal Gottifreddi, was here on Tues- 
day ; that is why I sent for you. He came to speak 
about your affairs. 

GUIDO 

What is the use of his talking if he does nothing 
for me.'^ 

DUCHESS 

What can any one do for a man like you? The 
Cardinal came to warn me of what is imminent. 

GUIDO 

What do you mean by " what is imminent " ? 

DUCHESS 

I mean that the Pope's patience is exhausted. 
You must either radically change your ways, or the 
Minister of Police will order your expulsion from the 
Papal States. Fortunately I had an answer ready 
for the Cardinal, and I secured his promise to obtain 
a little time — enough for you to leave Rome with 
dignity rather than be escorted to the frontier by the 
police, like a malefactor or a conspirator. 



294. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 



GUIDO 

This might sound ominous were it not so familiar. 
I seem to have heard these threats before. 

DUCHESS 

They are no longer threats ; they are decisions. 
The very morning of my brother's visit, I received 
this letter from your Aunt Olympia, which I showed 
him. (She takes a letter from the table drawer.) 

GUIDO 

I can't read Aunt Olympia's writing. What does 
she say? 

DUCHESS 

She invites you to visit her in Hungary — for a 
long stay. She has two charming girls stopping 
with her, both pretty and both daughters of im- 
mensely rich Hungarian magnates, either of w^hom 
would be happy to become Duchess of Teramo. I 
promised the Cardinal that you should go. 

GUIDO 

I don't refuse ; no ! I don't refuse — but I am 
not going just now. 

DUCHESS 

It must be now, or it will be never. 

GUIDO 

First of all, I have no money. I can't go to Hun- 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 295 

garj without some money to fling about. The Hun- 
garians are awfully extravagant people. 

DUCHESS 

Something may still be found, and Olympia, who is 
rich, will supply what is needed if she sees you are 
in earnest about marrying. It will all depend on 
yourself. 

GUIDO 

Mother, if I had a few thousand francs now — to- 
night — I could triple it in a few hours, and I would 
go off to Hungary as a gentleman should. Get me 
some cash now, mother ; I am in luck to-night. 

DUCHESS 

Gambling! Have you not yet learned that no 
man is ever lucky when he is needy.'' Fortune 
thrusts her favours on the indifferent. 

GUIDO 

Not always. Per Bacco! I have got a system 
worked out that will break any bank going. Give 
me a couple of thousand francs, mother, and I'll pay 
you back to-morrow and have enough left to go off 
to Hungary in a style befitting the Duke of Teramo ; 
but I won't go amongst those rich barbarians with 
empty pockets and sponge on my Aunt Olympia. 
If you want me to go, you must get me the money — 
and to-night. This is my lucky night. 



296 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

Money enough for your visit I may be able to get 
you ; money to gamble with, I can't raise a penny. 

GUIDO 

If you can find the one, you can find the other. 
Don't I tell you I'll pay you back? Let me explain 
my system. It is like this . . . 

DUCHESS 

I don't want to hear it. I can raise no money my- 
self for any purpose whatsoever. I don't possess a 
jewel or a trinket of the smallest value. My pearls 
are false and my diamonds are paste ; the little sav- 
ings I had put by for Marco's education I have sac- 
rificed to 3^our vices. 

GUIDO 

Ah! you always have a private hoard for Marco. 
At all costs, that little brat must be kept going, even 
if I suffer. 

DUCHESS 

Guido, I forbid you to speak so of your brother. 

GUIDO 

[^Sneeringly.^ 
My brother.'^ Don't lay too much stress on that. 

DUCHESS 

Will you leave this room or shall I.'^ 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 297 

GUIDO 

[With sudden furi/,] 
I don't leave this room till I get what I have come 
for, nor do you. Your grand-duchess airs don't im- 
pose on me. I know how we stand — you and I. 
Pack me off a beggar to the other side of Europe, 
while ^'^ou hoard up money out of the estate for your 
son Marco! You think me such a fool? Well, I'll 
show you I am not. No man of the Teramos' was 
ever jockeyed or hoodwinked by his women — we 
know them too well, the whole damned breed, from 
duchess to courtesan, and mighty little difference is 
there amongst them. I'll have the money, and I'll 
have it now. (He begins to pull open the table 
drawers^ and then rushes to the cabinet.) To-night 
my luck is on me : to-night I can win thousands, thou- 
sands. Where do you keep it.-^ Where have you 
hidden it.'^ I must have money — money — {He 
-finds the bag.) Ha! ha ! ha ! I thought so! {He 
looks eagerly into the bag. ) I thought so ! 

DUCHESS 

Guido, give me that bag. It is not mine. It is 
the money from the charity bazaar — the money of 
the poor. 

GUIDO 

Well, charity begins at home, and who is poorer 
than I .? 



^98 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

Give me that bag ! Give it to me ! Give it to me ! 
{She tries to take it.) Guido ! I implore you! 

GUIDO 

I'll give you nothing, until to-morrow. To-mor- 
row I'll repay you — you and your poor twice over. 

DUCHESS 

Are you a thief? You rob — not your mother — 
but the poor, God's poor ! You shall not commit 
this outrage ! (Struggling with him. ) I'll call for 
help. I'll denounce you to the police ! 

GUIDO 

Denounce and be damned. (Wrenching violently 
from her, he pushes the Duchess, who falls to the 
ground.'] Don't be such a fool, mother. I know 
what I am doing. Trust me, for the luck is on me 
to-night. This is my night — my lucky night. 
(She weeps.) Hysterics? Bah! I can't stand 
them. 

[Exit Guido.] 

DUCHESS 

l^Rises and moves vaguely about the room: she 
stops before the large portrait of her hus- 
band and addresses it.] 
This unnatural monster is the fruit of our loveless 
union. He is your dead hand still clutching onto my 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 299 

life. (She suddenly utters a sharp cry and springs 

backwards.) 

[The picture swings slowly open and reveals a 
small niche in which crouches Sisto San- 
Tucci. He is old, emaciated, white-haired; 
he wears tattered trousers and shirt that ex- 
pose his naked arms and legs, zvhich are blood- 
stained: he steps from the opening and stag- 
gers towards the Duchess with trembling, 
outstretched arms: the picture swings into 
place. ^ 

SANTUCCI 

[In a weak, tremulous voice. ^ 
Signora — for pity's sake ! for God's sake ! don't ! 
don't ! I can harm no one — I am starving ; I am 
dying ! Pity ! Pity ! 

DUCHESS 

[Reco vering hers elf. ] 
How did you come here? 

SANTUCCI 

I crawled underground through long, dark pas- 
sages, — then up many steps until I heard voices. I 
groped with my hands ; feeling the wall, my finger 
made a hole ; the light shone through and I looked 
into this room. I saw you and the thief. 

DUCHESS 

Who are you.'^ 



300 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

SANTUCCI 
I . . . I . . . 

]^He sinks fainting on the floor. She raises 

hivi^ looks about, sees the cup of untasted 

chocolate and brings it, making him drink it: 

he revives.^ 

Thank you. ... I am sorry . . . but I am so 

weak ; I have had no food for a long time, and I am 

freezing. Thank you ; this gives me life. Did you 

hear the gun.? 

DUCHESS 

The gun.? 

SANTUCCI 

They fired the gun at the castle, before I could 
reach the river : after that I dared not come out. 
And the rats ! the rats ! See — {Showing his arms 
and legs.) . . . See where they bit me! I fought in 
the dark where I could see only the gleaming eyes all 
about me — above my head — everywhere, every- 
where the rats tore at me. Once I crawled almost 
to the opening on the river — just for a little air, 
but the police were there watching. I could hear 
them in a boat. I had to turn back and fight the 
rats. 

DUCHESS 

Then you are the prisoner who escaped yesterday 
morning from Castel Sant' Angelo.? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 301 

SANTUCCI 

Was it only yesterday morning? It seems years 
ago. It is now night. Hush ! hush ! There are 
spies everywhere — they listen — they are watching 
for me. Oh ! Signora, don't let them take me back ; 
don't let them ! {He approaches and looks fixedly 
at her.) I can hardly see you, for I am nearly 
blind ; I am like the rats — I see best in the dark, 
where I have lived without the light of day, so my 
eyes are almost gone. I can just see your face — 
but you are kind, I feel that, and you will not let 
them take me back? See! I am an old, old man. 
I don't know any more how old I am, but I am at the 
end. May I not die free? Not alone in the icy 
blackness of that dungeon — oh, not alone, not 
alone when I die ! It will be soon, very soon, but let 
me die free. Don't, don't give me up ! Die free ! 
Die free ! 

DUCHESS 

My poor man, you have nothing to fear from me. 
I shall not give you up, and I promise you, you shall 
die free. 

SANTUCCI 

God bless you ! God bless you ! There are, then, 
merciful hearts in the world. 

DUCHESS 

You are safe here — at least for the present, until 



302 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

I can think of some refuge for you. But if I am to 
help you, I must know who you are and why you were 
in prison. 

SANTUCCI 

Yes, yes! I will tell you everything — all the 
story of my ruined life, of my living death. 

DUCHESS 

Sit here and tell me the truth. 
[He sits by the brazier.'] 

SANTUCCI 

Signora, I will speak only the truth, for my truth 
beggars invention. I am Sisto Santucci, of an hon- 
ourable family in Salerno. As a young man I lived 
in Naples, where I joined a small club which met to 
discuss social and political questions, with a view to 
spreading education amongst the people and to ob- 
tain equal political rights and freedom of speech. 

DUCHESS 

Ah ! I see what is coming. 

SANTUCCI 

The government at that time was the most in- 
iquitous ... 

DUCHESS 

Let US not discuss the Neapolitan government. It 
is your story I want to hear. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 303 

SANTUCCI 

When I was thirty years old — that was in 1838 
— I inherited a small fortune, and I was able at last 
to claim my promised bride — my beloved Elena. 

DUCHESS 

Was she from Salerno? 

SANTUCCI 

No ; her family was from Capua and belonged to 
the nobility of that province. They had opposed 
our union. But when my fortune came, we eloped 
and were married. The hatred of her family pur- 
sued us and closed all doors in Naples against us, so 
we moved to Milan, where I got a small position. 
There our only child — our Mari' Elena — was 
born. Oh! how happy we were — just we three, 
with enough for our modest wants and indifferent to 
all the world outside ! Ten years passed — ten 
years of hard work — and then, in an evil hour, I 
was chosen with three others to go to Naples. . . . 

DUCHESS 

Chosen ? 

SANTUCCI 

Yes. The propaganda for a United Italy had by 
that time been thoroughly organised. . . . 

DUCHESS 

I understand. You belonged to one of the secret 



304 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

societies which fomented uprisings in the different 
States and prepared the revolution. 

SANTUCCI 

We worked as we could, not as we would. 

DUCHESS 

I remember the days of 'forty-eight. Well, what 
did you do in Naples.'* 

SANTUCCI 

Nothing. I swear to you, Signora, before God 
and by all I have suffered that I did nothing in Na- 
ples. Three days after I landed there, by sea from 
Genoa, I attended a meeting in the house of a chem- 
ist. . . . 

DUCHESS 

Chemists were suspects in those days. 

SANTUCCI 

The purpose of the meeting was to decide upon 
certain regulations for the formation of local com- 
mittees in the different towns to work for the cause 
of Italian unity and liberty. 

DUCHESS 

\^S arc as tic alii/. '\ 
Liberty naturally. Every imaginable folly and all 
crimes have been committed in the name of liberty. 
What happened in the house of the chemist? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 305 

SANTUCCI 

We were hardly assembled, when the doors were 
broken in by the police. Several men who knew the 
house escaped, but I and three others, including Sea- 
lea, were taken ... 

DUCHESS 

Scalea ? I remember his conspiracy — it was 
planned to murder the King of Naples and the Pope. 
That explains your transfer to a Roman prison. 

SANTUCCI 

I swear to you, Signora, I never had seen or heard 
of this man. I was not a conspirator against any 
man's life. I knew of no such conspiracy. 

DUCHESS 

You blundered into suspicious company, Signor 
Santucci, and some blunders are as fatal as crimes. 

SANTUCCI 

I never even knew of what I was accused. I was 
confronted by no accuser, had no trial and I never 
again saw the light of day. When my poor wife 
heard of my arrest, she raised what money she could 
and came to Naples. She had one hope of saving 
me — one person upon whose intercession with the 
King she relied. In her convent days, my wife had 
been friends with the daughter of an illustrious Ro- 
man family — the Princess Isabella Gottifreddi. 



306 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

Ah! with the Princess Isabella Gottif reddi ? 

SANTUCCI 

Yes, she had married a great Neapolitan gentle- 
man, the Duke of Teramo, and in those days she lived 
as Duchess of Teramo in Naples, where she was the 
reigning favourite at court. People said the King 

— but, no matter — perhaps the report was false, 
for she was hated and envied as much as she was 
feared and admired. Taking with her our little girl, 
my wife went to implore the Duchess, for the sake of 

their former friendship in the name of Christian 

charity, to speak a word in my favour to the King. 
She humbled herself before that stony-hearted 
woman in vain, for the Duchess was deaf to her pite- 
ous appeal. She sent that broken-hearted woman 
and her little child away, without so much as a kind 
word or a look of pity. When this news was brought 
to me by a friar who sometimes visited me, I saw red : 
could my hands have reached the Duchess of Teramo, 
I would have torn her into shreds : I lived thenceforth 

— if live you could call it — in an agony of anxi- 
ety for the fate of my wife and child. My days, my 
nights were haunted by such horrors as only a help- 
less prisoner's imagination could evoke. In every 
depth of misery, and, oh, God ! the visions of m}^ 
loved one surrounded by the iniquity and vice that 
beset defenceless women — until I hoped and prayed 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 307 

for her death and that of our little girl. I called on 
death to set them free. And I called on God to curse 
the Duchess of Teramo. 

DUCHESS 

I am the Duchess of Teramo. 

SANTUCCI 

You? You? The Duchess of Teramo? 

DUCHESS 

I am the Duchess of Teramo. So Elena Cavanig- 
lia was your wife ? I remember her coming to see me 
in the winter of 1848, and that I could do nothing 
for her. You exaggerate my influence at court — 
many people did that. I might have helped your 
wife — but she told me nothing of herself or her con- 
dition. She talked only of you — begged only for 
you — she asked nothing for herself, and I never 
again saw or heard of her. 

SANTUCCI 

Only for me — only for me ! Ah, yes. Duchess, I 
recognise my devoted little wife, who asked nothing 
for herself but thought only of me. {He sobs.) 

DUCHESS 

Signor Santucci, believe me, I am not quite the 
heartless woman you have thought me. You called 
on God to curse me — to humble me. Well, your 
prayer has been answered. 



308 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

SANTUCCI 

Forgive me, Duchess ; forgive my wild words. In 
the long years of solitude and silence, I have suffered 
such anguish as no words can tell. I raved and beat 
my head against the stones : at times my reason trem- 
bled in the balance. Even now, I don't know 
whether I am sane. The curses of such as I could 
never reach you. I should not have spoken as I did. 
Forgive the ravings of a desperate man — forgive 
and forget ! 

DUCHESS 

If I have anything to forgive you, it is forgiven — 
but I shall not forget. Perhaps God in His Mercy 
has given me the opportunity to redeem the wrong I 
unwittingly did your wife. I will protect you. I 
will move every power I can command to find your 
wife, if she still lives, and your child. Twenty years 
is a long time. . . . 

SANTUCCI 

Twenty years? Twenty years? . . . What year 
is this? 

DUCHESS 

Eighteen sixty-seven. 

SANTUCCI 

[Counting vaguely on his fingers.^ 
Twenty years. That was in 1848, and I was 
forty-three years old. ... A lifetime has gone by 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 309 

— a lifetime passed in a tomb. Oh, my God ! how 
have I lived for twenty years? 

DUCHESS 

Italy has passed through great upheavals during 
those years and many changes have taken place since 
1848; but with patience and diligence it ought to be 
possible to trace your wife and child. If they are 
to be found, I will find them. I will restore them to 
you. 

SANTUCCI 

ISobbing.^ 
These are the first words of hope, of comfort I 
have heard from human lips, and they come from 
you ! They are sweet words. Oh, Duchess, how I 
have misjudged you! 

DUCHESS 

Who of us does not misjudge? I have seen many 
notable things but I have not yet seen justice. My 
chaplain's room just beyond that door is empty ; 
here are the keys to it. There is no other access lo 
that room save through this one, so you will be safe. 
Dress yourself in some of the chaplain's clothes, and 
I will let it be known to-morrow that you are a cleric 
whom he has sent to arrange the archives. Come 
with me now and I will show you the room, for we 
have said enough for to-night. 



310 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

SANTUCCI 

God bless your noble heart. {He kisses her 
dress. ) I only pray to live to see my loved ones once 
more, and I shall die free, blessing your name. May 
God reward you ! 

DUCHESS 

My reward is now. Come. 

[^She takes the candle and precedes Santucci 
to the small door right. '\ 



CURTAIN 



* 



ACT II 



ACT II 

{To play Jf5 minutes) 
Scene I 

A sliowily -furnished salon in Second Empire style. 
The stage is divided across the middle by archways 
partially draped with gorgeous hrocatelle hang- 
ings, beyond, which stands an oblong gaming table 
for baccarat or rouge et noir ; the front half of the 
room is furnished with a number of gilt chairs and 
two small tables, one to the left, the other to the 
right side. A gaudy glass chandelier and appli- 
ques containing candles furnish the light. The 
room is in semi-darkness, only a few candles in the 
front being lighted. At one table sits Madame 
DuBosc, a large, coarse-featured woman; her face 
is sallow, blotched and unhealthy-looking, her hair 
frowsy; she wears a shabby, but showy; loose 
dressing-gown and is in her stockinged feet; she 
speaks with a strong French accent and is telling 
her own fortune at cards. La Marinella sits op- 
posite, heedless of what the other is doing; she is 
a woman of a little pa^t thirty, beautiful and ex- 
quisitely dressed in a neglige costume of light col- 

313 



314 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ouTy with many laces; Iter hair is dressed^ hut she 
wears no jewels. 

DUBOSC 

[Telling the cards.~\ 
The knave of spades again ! Oh, these cards, 
these cards ! 

MARINEIiLA 

What am I to do about my boy? My Marco? 
What am I to do about him? How I wish he had 
not written to you that note ! 

DUBOSC 

If you had listened to me last autumn in Gaeta, 
and quietly left without those gushing farewells, none 
of this would have happened. Whenever you neglect 
my advice, cherie, you get yourself into a mess. 
Why did you give him my address if you did not 
want to see him? 

MAIIINELI.A 

He made me give it to him. I should never have 
got away from him without giving it. 

DUBOSC 

You need not have given him the right one. (Vir- 
tuously.) Not that I minded him coming here. I 
have nothing to conceal ; I have not deceived him. 
Better let me see him and tell him the truth. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 315 

MARINELLA 

Dubosc, I forbid you ! He is the only man in the 
world who respects me, who believes in me. Come 
what may, he must never know the truth. 

DUBOSC 

The cards are bad to-night. I should like to know 
how you intend to prevent him. He can't stop long 
in Rome, nor come here often without finding out who 
you are. This is one of the drawbacks to being ,too 
well known. {She deals again.) 

MARINELLA 

But he is not going to stop in Rome : in his note to 
you he says he is only here over-night. He told me 
he has one more year in the naval academy, and after 
that two years at sea ; by that time I shall be gone 
from Rome, and he will never see me here — nor any- 
where. {Sadly.) Perhaps he will have forgotten 
me. 

DUBOSC 

So much the better. But if 3'ou don't want him to 
meet Sestri and his crowd, you must get him quickly 
away. It is now ten o'clock and people will shortly 
begin to arrive, besides which you must still dress. 
Again the knave of spades ! — a second dark man — 
and money : they fight. {She shuffles. ) 

MARINEIilA 

I know, I know ! It will only be for a moment — - 



316 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

for a brief moment that I may look again into his 
honest eyes and feel the charm of his fresh, un- 
tainted manhood. 

' DUBOSC 

l^Dealing.l 
Marinella, is it possible you are in love with this 
boy? 

MARINELLA 

\_Passionatelt/.'] 
Before God, I wish it were ! He is such a man as 
I might have loved, were I not what I am. Love ! I 
have never known love. I know only the loathsome 
travesty of it: the masquerade of lust in which my 
womanhood has been degraded. This lad has shown 
me what love might have been in my life. 

DUBOSC 

Come, Marinella ! You are not yet old enough to 
be sentimental. After all, this young man is twenty, 
and he is a naval cadet, so I can't think him quite the 
little saint you picture him. He seemed to me to be 
rather knowing in Gaeta. 

MARINELLA 

[^Fiercely. ] 
Stop ! I will not have you discuss him. . . . 

DUBOSC 

Ca cest trop fort! Moi, je suis fran^aise. . . . 
I . . . 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 317 

MARINELIA 

[^Interrupting. ] 
Neither jou nor any one. He stands alone in my 
life — as a symbol. There, there ! Dubosc, no 
doubt you are right — quite right, and I am a fool, 
but — but we all have foolish moments sometimes. 
You know, it is just like something in a novel or a 
play one cries over. . . . 

DUBOSC 

Oh ! this is fatal ! and the cards never lie. 
[Enter Gelasio, L.] 

GELASIO 

Signor Marco asks to see Madame Dubosc. 

MARINELIA 

You see him first. I'll come back in a moment. 
{Exit hastily, R.) 

DUBOSC 

Show the gentleman up, and, Gelasio, in exactly 
fifteen minutes you will return and begin to light the 
candles — not later, mind, and don't wait for Sig- 
nora Marinella to ring for you, but come. 

GELASIO 

Yes, Madame. {Exit L.) 

DUBOSC 

That won't give much time for foolishness. La 



318 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

Marinella seems a trifle wrought up to-night, and 
there must be no nonsense with this young naval 
cadet ; he is doubtless penniless. (She gathers up 
the cards.) 

[Enter Gelasio, followed hy Marco.] 

[Exit Gelasio.] 

MARCO 

Good evening, Madame Dubosc. You got my 
note ? 

DUBOSC 

[Frigidly.^ 
Monsieur, I was much surprised to receive it. I 
did not expect to see you in Rome, and I do not re- 
ceive visitors in the evennig. 

MARCO 

[Abashed.'] 
No ? Oh ! I did not know . . . and, well, Elena 
gave me j'^our address, and as I was in Rome just 
over night, I thought I might call and pay you my 
respects. 

DUBOSC 

Very thoughtful of you, I am sure. Elena will be 
able to see you for a very few minutes, but I must 
ask you to cut your visit short as we have an engage- 
ment this evening. 

MARCO 

Yes, of course ; in fact, I have but a short time at 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 319 

my disposal, as I, too, have an engagement. I am 
going to Princess Crescenzi's ball. {Hopefully.) 
Perhaps that is where you are going. 

DUBOSC 

Eh ? No ! oh, no. We are not going to Princess 
Crescenzi's ball — not this evening. We are expect- 
ing some people here — just a small family party, 
something quite exceptional for me. I will call 
Elena. {She rises and goes: sotto voce.) Princess 
Crescenzi's ball! {Theriy bridling.) Et pourquoi 
pas? Je suis frangaise. {Exit R.) 
[Enter Marinella.] 

MARCO 

Elena! 

MARINELLA 

Marco ! Why, how strange you look ! 

MARCO 

Strange? How strange .^^ 

MARINELLA 

I never before saw you with your clothes on. 

MARCO 

So you didn't. But you hardly expected to see me 
here in a bath-towel .^^ 

MARINELLA 

No. . . . No ... I suppose not. But I did like 
you very much in the bath-towel. 



320 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MARCO 

Ah! that was when we were outside the world, m 
our little cove by the wine-coloured sea of Gaeta, 
with only the blue sky above us. I wish we w^ere 
back there, Elena, in our fairyland. 

MARINELLA 

Yes, so do I. But there is never any going back 
to happiness. If we have it once, we leave it behind 
and always look for it ahead, but we never again find 
it — never again. 

MARCO 

You and I shall find it, Elena, for we shall find it 
together. Since you left Gaeta last autumn, I 
dreamed of you by day, and by night I lay awake 
thinking of you — wondering where you w^ere, won- 
dering if you had forgotten. 

MARINELLA 

Forget ! Ah, no, those days, fragrant with the 
scent of the jasmine and resonant with the sound of 
the sea, are all my youth — the only youth I ever 
had. In the evenings when you were not with me, I 
fell to star-gazing, and I used to send you my 
thoughts b}^ a celestial messenger. Did my star give 
them to you? Perhaps not, for the stars, though 
they are so many, are given more messages to carry 
than they can possibly deliver. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 321 

MARCO 

Then you do love me, Elena? You never would 
tell me so in Gaeta, and I have so longed to hear you 
say it. 

MARINELLA 

Do I ? This much I can tell you : you alone are in 
my thoughts, just as you are alone in my life, for 
you mean something to me that no one ever did or 
ever can mean. I have never loved any one — not 
since my mother died, years ago. 

MARCO 

You cannot imagine the suspense, the anguish of 
doubt in which I have lived : fifty times I have been 
on the point of coming to Rome to find you, for I was 
tormented by the fear of losing you. I saw you sur- 
rounded by men who courted you, who told you they 
loved you — but nobody can ever love you as I do, 
Elena. 

MARINELLA 

I believe that, Marco ; nobody's love for me can 
ever be like yours. 

MARCO 

But does that sadden you ? Why ! you are cry- 
ing, Elena. Why do you weep? Since you believe 
in my love for you, you will not refuse it — you will 
not be false to a love you know to be true. We have 
had our dream you and I, and now we shall have the 



322 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

reality. All our dreams shall come true. Our idyll 
by the sea was perfect, and the memories of it will 
live with us forever, sweetening all our future. But 
now we must have done with mystery and come out 
into the light. That is why I have come to Rome 
and sought you out — to tell you who I am and all 
about myself. . . , 

MARINELLA 

No! No! Don't do that, Marco! Don't do 
that ! I don't want to know anything. I want to 
keep you just as you are — my dream-lover. I 
want nothing changed; everything must stay just as 
it is. Don't spoil our idyll, Marco ; don't tell me 
anything, for I can tell you nothing — and you must 
not ask me. 

MARCO 

But, Elena dearest, I have come to Rome to ask 
you to be my wife. 

MARINELLA 

Your wife? . . . your wife? It is impossible . . . 
impossible. . . it can never be. 

MARCO 

Why impossible? What is the obstacle? Elena! 
you are not . . . not married, are you? 

MARINELLA 

No, I am not married. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 323 

MARCO 

Perhaps, then, because you think I am poor? 
Well, dearest, it is true ; I am poor, but . . . 

MARINELLA 

No, no ! It is not that, for I have known pov- 
erty, and though it is a fearful thing to be very poor 
— poor as I mean it — yet I do not fear poverty. 
It is because I know myself, and because I know you 
better than you know yourself. Why, Marco, you 
are but a mere lad, while I — well, we won't talk 
about my age, but for you I am already too old, and 
within a very few years I shall be really old, so that 
you will marvel at your own blindness. I am not 
the woman to be your wife — for I want you to be 
happy. 

MARCO 

I can't be put off with an answer that tells me 
nothing — that is no answer. . . . 

MARINELlvV 

You must not ask me more. You must not ques- 
tion me. You do not know me, Marco. 

MARCO 

I don't need to know you. It is enough that I love 
you — for the rest, I trust you. 

MARINELLA 

If you trust me, you must believe me, and I tell 



324 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

you it is impossible . . . impossible. Oh ! don't you 
see how unhappy you are making me — that you are 
tormenting me? 

MARCO 

Tormenting you? But it is you who are racking 
my very heart. Listen to me, Elena : we have gone 
too far to stop now, for I have told my mother about 
3'^ou and that you were to be my wife. She wants to 
see you : she wants to see Madame Dubosc. I am 
sure she will consent, for when she sees you, she will 
love you. 

MARINELUV 

You told your mother about me? What did you 
tell her? 

MARCO 

Everything. All about our first meeting and the 
week that followed — that blessed week in Gaeta ! 

MARINELLA 

And what did she say? 

MARCO 

Well, my mother, Elena — you see, my mother, of 
course, thought it all sounded a little strange — 
rather unconventional. She was astonished, and 
perhaps a trifle shocked. Most people hearing about 
it would be, wouldn't they? For one can't make 
them understand, just telling about it, especially 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 325 

women. But everything will come right, for my 
mother wants me to be happy, and when she saw how 
dead in earnest I was, she promised not to oppose me. 

MARINELIA 

She promised that, without even knowing who I 
am? 

MARCO 

No, not precisely, for she wants, of course, to 
know who you are — that is only natural. She said 
that it was only necessary for her to see you and 
Madame Dubosc to make up her mind. She said she 
had never met Madame Dubosc in society, but she 
could easily inquire. She knows all the French peo- 
ple in Rome. 

MARINELLA 

\_Feverishly.~\ 
There is nothing to inquire about ; she need not in- 
quire, for we are leaving Rome immediately — we are 
going back to Paris. We don't know many people 
in Rome — no French people at all, and Madame 
Dubosc never goes in society ; she dislikes society ; 
she only came here for her health. 

MARCO 

Her health.^ She does not look like an invalid. 

MARINELIA 

No, of course not, but she is ; that is, she was — 



326 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

she has heart trouble — you see ; she is much better 
now - — quite restored, in fact, so we are returning 
to Paris. Oh, Marco, can't I make you understand? 
It is ail over between us. One thing I promise you. 
I swear to you I shall never, never forget you, and I 
shall cherish the remembrance of your love forever 
as my most sacred possession. Don't ask more: let 
us keep our happy memories — just that one week, 
Marco dear ; don't rob me of that ! Don't spoil it ! 

MARCO 

Elena, you are treating me as though I were a 
child, but I'll not submit to it. Memories ! Memo- 
ries ! Can you live on memories.^ I can't. I will 
know what is the barrier between us — this mystery 
that makes it impossible for you to be my wife, when 
I know you love me. 

MARINELLA 

No, no ! You are mistaken. I don't love you, 
Marco — I love what you mean to me ; for to me you 
are the symbol of a love I might have had, but missed, 
and it is nov/ too late. You are the ghost of what 
might have been, in the youth of which I was de- 
frauded — the ghost of the happiness I might have 
had in a life that was denied me. What I say is in- 
comprehensible to you ; is it not ? You don't under- 
stand me, and thank God you can't ! For your 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 327 

youth protects you from the knowledge necessary to 

understanding. 

[Enter Dubosc. She is in full evening dress; 
very sJiowy, and wearing flashy jewels. Her 
face is brilliantly painted and her hair elab- 
orately dressed.^ 

DUBOSC 

Elena dear, it is very late, and you must go at once 
and dress. I told Monsieur his visit must be brief. 
[^Enter Gelasio and other Servants^ who begin 
to light the candles.^ 

MARINELLA 

\^S elf -controlled.^ 
Good-bye, Marco. It was good of you to come. 
As you return to Gaeta to-morrow, we shall not meet 
again. {To Dubosc.) I have just told Marco that 
we are leaving soon for Paris. 

DUBOSC 

Of course we are ; at once, in fact. Now go and 
dress. 

MARCO 

Madame Dubosc, I beg you to listen to me. I 
came here to-night to ask your niece to be my 
wife, . . . 

MARINELLA 

Hush, Marco! please, please say no more! At 



328 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 



least not now. (Indicating the servants.) You 
may write to Madame Dubosc later, but not now — 
nothing more now. 

DUBOSC 

Monsieur, there is no time now to treat such a seri- 
ous subject. Elena, go at once to your room. 

MARINELLA 

Good-bye, Marco ; good-bye. 
[Exit Marinella.] 

MARCO 

Elena ! Elena ! Oh, how can she be so cruel ! 
Madame Dubosc, both you and your niece are treat- 
ing me as though I were a child or a fool. I am 
neither. When the men of my family offer marriage 
to a lady they are accustomed to a courteous hearing 
— they are entitled to one, and to a sensible answer. 
My mother, the Duchess of Teramo . . . 

DUBOSC 

The Duchess of Teramo ! Are you crazy .^^ 

MARCO 

Why, pray, should you think me crazy .? Why are 
you astonished that I should be the son of the Duch- 
ess of Teramo.^ Did you think me a street arab.'^ 

DUBOSC 

Did you tell Mari ... I mean, Elena, this? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 329 

MARCO 

Elena refused to listen to me : she would not let me 
tell her anything. I don't understand her. 

DUBOSC 

One thing you may clearly understand — you have 
had your answer, and she has refused your offer of 
marriage. 

MARCO 

One thing I more clearly understand, and that is 
that she loves me and has never loved anybody else. 
She has told me so, and I believe her. Then why 
does she refuse me.'^ For what reason? 

DUBOSC 

If she has not explained her reasons, then I have 
nothing more to say. But you take it from me, they 
are final. Bon soir, monsieur. 

MARCO 

Oh! Madame Dubosc, this treatment of me is un- 
worthy of you — of her ; it is cruel to me. . . . 

DUBOSC 

Say nothing more now — there is no time for fur- 
ther talk ; our guests are arriving. Please go — 
please go at once. Gelasio, this gentleman is going. 

MARCO 

But I may write, and you will answer me? Elena 
said I might write. 



3S0 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 



DUBOSC 

Yes, yes ! Certainly, write whatever you w ant to 
say, but nothing more now — not now. Bon soir. 

[Exit Marco, preceded bi/ Gelasio. Sestri 
enters^ crossing Marco, at whom he stares 
with interest.^ 

DUBOSC 

\_Sotto voce.^ 
The Duchess of Teramo ! Quelle aventure! 

KESTRI 

Well, Boschi, my dear, who is the infant in gilt 
braid and buttons? 

DUBOSC 

I never answer impertinent questions, Sestri. 

SESTRI 

Rather callow, is he not? Money? (She shakes 
her head.) Don't tell me you are looking for an 
amant de coeur amongst college boys ! If you are, 
you had better arrange your rendezvous elsewhere, 
or we shall have the police down on us for corrupting 
minors. 

DUBOSC 

When I want advice, Sestri, I'll seek it from some 
one who manages his own affairs better than you do 
yours. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 331 

SESTRI 

Don't be snappy. Where is La Marinella? 

DUBOSC 

Dressing. What is the news in the haunts of the 
great ? 

SESTRI 

Nothing particular, except that our friend Guido 
di Teramo has received a pointed hint that his resig- 
nation would be accepted by the governors of the 
Jockey Club. Old Prince Cividale cut him dead on 
the Corso before a dozen people, and they say the 
Princess Frangipani has scratched his name off her 
list. 

DUBOSC 

Oh, la belle affaire! The Romans are never so 
comical as when they pose for virtuous. What is 
the matter now.^^ 

SESTRI 

That drive on the Pincio with the spaniels was too 
much. They could stand him with La Marinella 
alone — but the spaniels, they were the last straw. 

DUBOSC 

Quelle blague! They know he is ruined, bankrupt, 
coule. As long as he had money he could do as he 
liked, and nobody minded, 



332 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

SESTRI 

Now he makes himself a nuisance ; tries to borrow 
of everybody. Per Bacco, a regular beggar ! 

DUBOSC 

He has trapped La Marinella, and actually tried 
it on with me — une fran^aise! Think of that ! A 
Roman Duke. But in every Roman there lurks the 
lazzarone. 

[Enter Rossi and others. ~\ 

Is that not Rossi? 

SESTRI 

Another impecunious gossip. What does he want 
here ? 

DUBOSC 

lie is charming. He knows all the news. 

SESTRI 

He has the manners of a monkey and the conversa- 
tion of a parrot. 

ROSSI 

But you are cMc this evening, madame ; tres chic. 

SESTRI 

She sports our house colours — rouge et noir. 
(He laughs and withdraws.) 

DUBOSC 

[Glancing ajigrilif after him.^ 
Animal! You give us the pleasure so seldom, 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 333 

monsieur. Tell me, did I not see your admiration, 
the Duchess of Teramo, to-day at San Marcello? 

ROSSI 

Doubtless. She never misses the midday Mass. 

DUBOSC 

No more do I. She had with her a lady — tres 
distinguee. Her sister, perhaps? 

ROSSI 

No. Her guest, from Milan. 

DUBOSC 

They are great friends? 

ROSSI 

For the moment they are accomplices — the femi- 
nine equivalent. The Milanese countess has a 
daughter to marry, and the Duchess has a son. 

DUBOSC 

The Duke Guido will marry? 

ROSSI 

Oh, no, not the Duke. There is a second son, 
Marco. 

DUBOSC 

[^Impulsively. ] 
Then he told the truth ! 

ROSSI 

Who? 



334 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUBOSC 

[Recovering her self. ~\ 
Nobody. Nobody you know. 

ROSSI 

You are severe on my friends. (He withdraws, 
mingling with the others.) 

[A number of Men and Women enter: all are 
fashionably and showily dressed, exhibiting 
every caprice of the period: the men wear 
uniforms of the noble-guard, of the French 
Army of Occupation, or are in evening dress, 
some with orders. The rooms fill up. Peo- 
ple salute DuBOsc and Sestri, and some go 
up to the gambling table, where play begins. 
The cries of " Banco,'' " Giucco fatto,'* 
" Partita finita " are heard in the hum of the 
conversation. Dubosc assumes her most 
haughty air as she moves about : Sestri is fa- 
miliar with the women, but most of the men 
are distant with him. Two groups form, one 
at each of the small tables to the right and 
left; champagne is served to them. One is 
composed of Clairette, Maddalena, a 
young gentleman and a French Officer.^ 

ciairette 
[To Young Man.] 
And what brings you here to-night, Baron .^ I 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 335 

thought your Russian princess kept you in a tight 
leash. What is her name? 

YOUNG MAN 

Who is that pretty girl in blue? {Indicating a 
very pretty and well-dressed girl.) 

MADDALiENA 

That is Pepita. Don't you know her? She was 
playing the mandolin with her father until a month 
ago, and now look at her ! She has a Russian, 
Prince Saratoff, who has set her up like a duchess. 

CLAIRETTE 

Saratoff! That is the name. Why, he is the 
husband of your charmer, Baron. You ought to 
know Pepita. {Calling.) Pepita! Come here. 
[Pepita advances nonchalantly .1^ 

CLAIRETTE 

Here is a gentleman who wants to know you — he 
admires you. 

PEPITA 

[Languidly. ] 
Oh ! as for that . . . 

MADDAL.ENA 

He is a friend of Princess Saratoff, so you need 
not be so particular. 



336 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

PEPITA 

The Princess can afford to do as she likes, for she 
is a married woman : a lady in my position has to be 
careful. 

YOUNG MAN 

I hope you are as careful of your virtue as you are 
of your reputation? 

PEPITA 

One is careful of whatever is worth keeping. 
(She turns away.) 

CLAIRETTE 

Pepita is young. But she is a good sort and sticks 
by her father and her old friends, the musicians. 

YOUNG MAN 

Her father must be proud of her. 

[^Enter Marinella. She is exquisitely dressed, 
wears three strings of very large pearls, and 
carries a fan: her manner during the scene is 
nervous. People speak to her, everybody 
looks after her, and she seats herself in front, 
alone. 1^ 

SESTRI 

\^Approachvng.'\ 
Good evening, Marinella. Why, what is the mat- 
ter .'^ You look as though you had been crying. 

MARINELLA 

Hold your tongue^ 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 337 

SESTRI 

There is something going on here that I don't un- 
derstand. 

DUBOSC 

Go and take the bank: that is all you need to un- 
derstand. 

SESTRI 

It is too early for me. I say, Marinella, do you 
know Teramo is finished — has gone bust ? All 
Rome is giving him the cold shoulder, and I think 
you had better drop him. 

MARINELLA 

I can't drop what I have never taken up. Guido 
comes here to play with you, not to see me. 

SESTRI 

Well, he can't play with me unless he has money. 
Did you hear what the Duchess said when they told 
her of his drive with you and the spaniels ? 

MARINELLA 

I did not. 

SESTRI 

She said the dogs deserved better company. {He 
laughs.) 

MARINELLA 

[Snaps her fan, and Sestri stops short.'] 
She dared to say that ! It is another item in my 



338 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

long account with Casa Teramo: the Duchess shall 
pay dearly for this insult when we have our reckon- 
ing. 

DUBOSC 

[Aside to Sestri.] 
Take my advice and let Marinella alone to-night: 
she has her nerves — it is not safe to plague her. 

SESTRI 

I am damned if I let her alone. I am a partner in 
this game, and not a silent one. I want to know 
what is going on. (To Marinella.) Old Pavon- 
celli told me you had taken up another of Guido's 
bills for fourteen thousand francs. It is all dead 
loss, for they are not worth the paper they are writ- 
ten on. 

MARINELLA 

I did: and I'll buy every bill, every mortgage, 
every I.O.U. that bears Guido Teramo's name. I am 
now his only creditor. I own everything that was 
once his — the Palazzo Teramo in Rome, the Villa 
at Viterbo, the Castel Ferrato estate at Porto d'An- 
zio — all are mine. (Touching 'her pearls.) These 
are the historic pearls given by the King of Naples 
to the Duchess on an occasion of which I intend the 
world shall soon hear more. 

SESTRI 

W^hat is the object of all this, Marinella? Mar- 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 339 

riage? Are you going to force him to marry you to 
save his estates? 

MARINELLA 

Force him? He would marry me to-morrow if I 
chose. No ! Why should I marry a man devoid of 
mind as he is of both morals and manners? 

DUBOSC 

\_Pompousli/.'\ 
You would be Duchess of Teramo. 

SESTRI 

An empty title, since society would neither recog- 
nise nor receive you. 

MARINELLA 

\Contemptuously. ] 
What is society? One half of society should be 
in gaol and the other half in the asylum. 

DUBOSC 

There is not a woman in Roman society who has 
not her lover. 

SESTRI 

Let us be accurate, Dubosc. A lover before mar- 
riage costs a woman her character ; her choice of one 
after marriage makes her reputation. 

[Marinella turns disdainfully away and sits 
alone. ] 



340 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

SESTRI 

[To DuBosc] 
Accident e! Is she playing us? She can't be in 
love with Guido? 

DUBOSC 

Can't you see she hates him. 

SESTRI 

That is just as good a reason for marrying him. 
I won't have it. 

DUBOSC 

Jealous? Do you aspire to be her lover? 

SESTRI 

She makes me a fool. 

DUBOSC 

It is the same thing. 

ROSSI 

[Approaches Marinella and speaks over her 
shoulder.^ Do I disturb your dreams? 

MARINELIiA 

Nobody can do that. 

ROSSI 

I have a word of warning for your private ear. 
This scandal with the Duke of Teramo is attracting 
attention in high quarters. His uncle, Cardinal 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 341 

Gottifreddi, has been summoned by the Pope, and 
Cardinal Antonelli is pressing the French ambassa- 
dor to withdraw his protection from you : it is hinted 
the Pope may write to Napoleon. 

MARINELLA 

And the ambassador? 

ROSSI 

Is fencing, to gain time. 

MARINELLA 

Whom does he most fear? Paris or Rome? 

ROSSI 

It is his business to satisfy both. 

MARINELLA 

He will not find that easy. 

ROSSI 

Unless you will make it so for him. 

MARINELLA 

How? 

ROSSI 

Conjure the brewing storm by a timely and dis- 
creet self-efFacement — temporary, hien-entendu — 
a month in Naples for your health — or Gaeta. 

MARINELLA 

I shall never again see Gaeta. 



342 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ROSSI 

I thought I had heard you were delighted with it. 

MARINELIA 

Then I should not make the mistake of revisiting 
a place where I had been happy. I shall take my 
own time. I have Paris behind me and I do not fear 
Rome. 

ROSSI 

If you will accept me as your counsellor — you 
will put the ambassador under obligation to you. 

MARINELLA 

That would be to make him my enemy. 

ROSSI 

You know I am your friend, Marinella? 

MARINELLA 

You are nobody's friend, Rossi. Adroit as you 
are, I wonder how you keep your place. 

ROSSI 

By always reporting what my superiors want to 
hear, — that is the secret of my success in the serv- 
ice. 

MARINELLA 

The service ! By the bye, Rossi, in whose service 
precisely are you.? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 343 

ROSSI 

I am at present, officially, in the service of France, 
but my devotion to the interests of Holy Church con- 
strains me — in my private capacity — to place my 
abilities at the disposition of the Pope. I lend my 
services intermittently to Mazzini, out of pure ad- 
miration for his audacity, and I sell them in Flor- 
ence when I am hard up. My good friend Palmer- 
ston had no cause to complain of my fidelity in the 
old days, for he was the best paymaster. Ah, those 
excellent English ! There is no rogue like a Puritan. 

MARINELLA 

And your convictions — where are they ? 

ROSSI 

Convictions are not the outcome of reason but of 
temperament. Mine keep close company with my in- 
terests. 

MARINELLA 

And they? 

ROSSI 

Are migratory, according to the movement of 
events. 

MARINELLA. 

You are even more despicable than I thought you. 

ROSSI • 

We are all despicable to those who knoAV us ; but 
I have claims to your admiration. 



344 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MARINELLA 

Indeed? And why? 

ROSSI 

For the courage I show in revealing myself to a 
woman. 

MARINELLA 

Your revelations leave me sceptical. I never 
doubted you more than at this moment. 

ROSSI 

I deserve your rebuke, for I have over-played my 
part. What sensible woman ever believes a man of 
brains is telling her the truth when talking about 
himself? 

MARINELLA 

The answer to that is obvious. It is as a con- 
firmed liar you achieve your best success. 

ROSSI 

On the contrary, it is my incredible truthfulness 
that has won for me a reputation for mendacity. 

[^Enter Guido. He is animated and greets peo- 
ple gaily as he gradually approaches Mari- 

NELLA.] 

SESTRI 

[Approaching Marinella.] 
Here is Teramo ; he looks elated. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 345 

MARINELIA 

Unless he brings money he shall not play here. 
If he does, Sestri, see to it that he leaves it here — 
you understand? Every penny of it. 

SESTRI 

That is as good as done. 

\^He takes the hank at baccarat.]^ 

ROSSI 

l^To DuBosc, indicating a long-haired, aesthetic 
youth, talking to a girl.^ 
Who is your minor poet.^ 

DUBOSC 

[Proudly. ~\ 
Theophile Vernet. C'est un fran^ais. 

ROSSI 

Ah! Vernet: the man who has written a book of 
modern fables in verse. 

DUBOSC 

l^Senti7nental.~\ 
Just like Lafontaine. I read Lafontaine in the 
convent ; c^etait si joli. He made all the animals act 
like people. 

ROSSI 

Just so. But Vernet makes all his people act like 
animals. 

[Enter Gelasio.] 



346 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

GELASIO 

Madame, the musicians are here. 

DUBOSC 

[To Marinella.] 
Shall we have some music? The Neapolitans are 
here. 

MARINELIA 

Yes, music. Let them come in, and we'll have a 
dance. Rossi, give me 3^our arm. 

\_Exit Gelasic] 

[^TJie room is cleared for a dance, Dubosc of- 
ficiously directing.!^ 

[Enter half-ardozen musicians, with mandolins, 
guitars, violin, etc. They wear gay Cioc- 
ciaro costumes. The girl Pepita salutes 
them with effusion and gives them champagne. 
During the dance her father watches her with 
smiles of proud approval. A dance is ar- 
ranged, either Lancers or Quadrilles, by eight 
guests, or a tarantella danced by the men and 
two girls of the musicians. As the dance is 
about to finish, a row breaks out at the card- 
table. Women scream; Guido calls Sestri 
a cheat; Sestri gin}es him the lie and strikes 
him. Men interfere.'] 

MARINEIilA 

Dubosc ! Stop that noise ! Stop those men ! 
What is the matter,'' 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 347 

[DuBosc goes hastily towards the card-table, 
calling excitedly, hut Guido and Sestri come 
to the front, amidst loud voices and confu- 
sion.^ 

SESTRI 

[Calling to Noble-guard.^ 
Carlino, will you act for me? I want a second. 
{To Guido.) Choose your seconds, if you can find 
anybody above a lacquey to act for you. Choose 
your weapons. I will fight you when and where and 
how you please. 

GUIDO 

I don't fight with card-sharpers. Give me the 
money you stole from me, you cheat ! 

SESTRI 

Oh, you won't fight me? Then I'll horsewhip you 
in the Corso if you dare to show your face in the 
public street ; I'll publish you all over Italy as a 
coward ! 

ROSSI 

\_Cal7nIy.'] 
Gentlemen ! Gentlemen ! You both forget your- 
selves. Remember, gentlemen, we are all men of 
honour. My lord Duke, the Marquis dei Sestri is 
rightly offended by your hasty accusations and has 
named a second to represent him. You cannot re- 



348 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

fuse him satisfaction. If you decline to apologise, 
you must choose some one to act for you. 

GUIDO 

[Recovering his dignity. '^ 
You are right, Rossi ; I am obliged to you. My 
accusation was not hasty, and an apology is out of 
the question. (He approaches a gentleman, speaks 
sotto voce and then turns to Sestri.) Baron Cara- 
vita will meet your friend. 

SESTRI 

[Sneeringly .1^ 
Tanto meglio ! 

[The men separate; exclamations and move- 
ment.^ 
[Gelasio enters excitedly and approaches Du- 

BOSC] 

gelasio 

Madame, the police are at the lower door — a dep- 
uty — commissary and four men. He demands ad- 
mittance. 

DUBOSC 

Mon Dieu! Mon Di€u! (Excitedly.) Clear the 
rooms. Vite! Vite! Away with the tables, and 
get out — get out ! every one of you ! Gelasio, put 
out the lights. Quel scandale — et dans une maison 
fran^aise! 

[Guests rush pell-mell towards back and dis- 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 34f9 

appear. Other servants appear^ whisk away 
the card-table like magic, and put out most of 
the lights, save two or three in front, Du- 
Bosc assists in snuffing out candles, etc, 
Marinella, Guido, Rossi, and Dubosc re- 
main. ] 

ROSSI 

My warning was none too soon. These men have 
come at an unfortunate moment. There will be 
trouble. 

MARINELIA 

Go down to the commissary and ask him what he 
means by battering at my door at this hour. 

DUBOSC 

Quelle mfamie — et dans une maison fran^aise! 
I read this in the cards. 

MARINELLA 

Tell him there is no gambling here and no dis- 
turbance, save what he and his men are making. If 
he chooses to verify, he may come up and see for him- 
self — but without his men. 

DUBOSC 

Morhleu! c^est une maison frangaise, 

MARINELLA 

Remind him that I am under the protection of the 



350 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

French government, and he forces my door at his 
peril. 

ROSSI 

[^Shrugging his shoulder s.^ 
If that still goes. 

MARINELLA 

You must make it go — at least for to-night. 

DUBOSC 

Give him your purse — that is more important 
still ; especially if the deputy-commissary is old Mar- 
tinoli. 

[Marinella gives Rossi her purse."] 

ROSSI 

I'll do my best. {To Guido.) You will find 
Caravita in his rooms in an hour. 

[Guido nods assent, and makes as though to 
follow him, hut Marinella stops him.] 

MARINELLA 

I have still something to say to you Teramo. I 
won't keep you but a moment. 
[Exit Rossi.] 

[To DuBOSc, who is still arranging furniture^ 
etc.] 
Dubosc, bring me the blue leather envelope and the 
small account-book from the safe. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 351 

[^Gesture of disapproz^al from Dubosc. Exit 
DuBosc] 

GUIDO 

If you get into trouble over this, don't blame me. 

MARINELIA 

You are a veritable jettatore (making the sign 
of the horns with first and little fingers). You bring 
disaster wherever you appear. 

GUIDO 

I? But this is Sestri's doing. He is always up 
to some new cardsharper's tricks. 

MARINELLA 

Sestri has no new tricks. All gamblers' tricks 
were old when Noah's ark was new. Nobody im- 
agines, I fancy, that gambling tables are run for the 
proprietor's pleasure. The game here is played to 
win. 

GUIDO 

That is all right, but you need not have a profes- 
sional swindler to run your table. 

MARINELIA 

I have heard the same term applied to you. I 
am not interested in Sestri's methods, but in the re- 
sults and I hold you both in equal esteem. 

lEnter Dubosc, with the book and envelope.'] 



35^ THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUBOSC 

Here they are. 

MARINELIA 

Thanks. Give them to me ; and, Dubosc, you need 
not wait. I wish to talk to Don Guido alone. 

DUBOSC 

[Disapprovingly. ] 
Comme vous voulez — mais — (Exit slowly up 
centre. ) 

MARINELLA 

These papers should be of interest to you. You 
have many debts .^^ 

GUIDO 

So I am told. 

MARINELLA 

Which you do not pay? 

GUIDO 

Certo! If I paid them I should not have them.'^ 

MARINELLA 

And your creditors ... do you know them? 

GUIDO 

I can't say that I do. I have had money from the 
usual bloodsuckers — Pavoncelli, Stein, Rosenburg 
I don't exactly know; they seem to be decent enough 
fellows — not so bad as they are pictured — and for 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 353 

the last year they have not even bothered me for in- 
terest or renewals. 

MARINELLA 

Have you wondered why ? 

GUIDO 

No ... I suppose they knew it was useless. 

MARINELLA 

It is because all your debts are in the possession 
of one person ; you have but one creditor — myself. 

GUIDO 

You? 

MARINELLA 

I have bought up all your bills — all your I. O. 
U.'s. I hold the mortgages you have given on your 
properties. I redeemed the pawn-tickets on which 
you had raised loans — everything you owe, as far 
as I know, you owe to me. 

GUIDO 

[Trying to look sentimental.^ 
Marinella ! You dear girl ! How shall I express 
my gratitude? Your generosity puts me in a most 
delicate position ... I would ... I ought . . . 

MARINELLA 

You are floundering, Guido. I have not acquired 
your debts with the purpose of accepting your name 



354 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

and title, and, incidentally, yourself. I have done it 
as a speculation. 

GUIDO 

I am not quite sure I see where you will make your 
profit. 

MARINELLA 

Then I will tell you. I have a straightforward 
offer to make to you — a bargain I wish to propose 
and conclude here and now. I will destroy, before 
your eyes, every one of the papers in this envelope, 
and set you absolutely free from debt, on one con- 
dition. 

GUIDO 

Name it. I consent beforehand. 

MAEINELLA 

It is so trifling it may sound foolish to you. 
There lies in an inner drawer of a large cabinet, 
standing in your mother's private salon, a small 
packet of letters, wrapped in a piece of faded blue 
silk and securely tied with a blue and gold cord. I 
want those letters. 

GUIDO 

How do you know what is in my mother's cabi- 
net? 

MARINELIA 

Never mind how — it is enough that I do know. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 355 

GUIDO 

I never saw such a packet. I know the cabinet, 
of course, and my mother keeps all her papers in it. 
What are these letters, and of what value are they 
to you? 

MARINELLA 

The letters are there, and they are important to 
me. More than that I will not tell you. Get- them, 
bring them to me — in the packet, intact as it is — 
and in return I will release you from debt. 

GUIDO 

They must indeed be valuable, if they are worth 
my entire estate. 

MARINELIA 

To me they are worth that. Nobody else would 
give you a scudo for them. 

GUIDO 

Are they legal papers — documents — ? 

MARINELLA 

No, they are letters of a private correspondence 
between persons who interest me ; they are of value 
only to me — and to your mother. 

GUIDO 

My obligations to my mother are not many. 

MARINELLA 

Your obligations to me are great. 



356 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

GUIDO 

You shall have the letters. 

MARINELLA 

Now, to-night. 

GUIDO 

To-night? 

MARINELIA 

It must be to-night. To-night as well as another 
time you can get them. Bring them here, and I will 
give you in exchange what I have promised. I will 
wait for you here. Go and get the packet. 

GUIDO 

[Shrugging his shoulders. ~\ 
It is not precisely a nice undertaking — to break 
open my mother's cabinet. . . . Some people might 
even call it stealing. 

MARINELLA 

Possibly. But how can a man like you get any- 
thing unless he steals it. 

GUIDO 

After all, I am the head of the family, and what- 
ever is my mother's is mine. 

MARINELIA 

You have your choice. Refuse, and I shall fore- 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 357 

close. Once the seals are put on your house, the let- 
ters are bound to be mine in any case. Choose. 

GUIDO 

Wait for me here. Within an hour you shall have 
the letters. 

MARINELLA 

Within an hour you will have no debts. 
[Exit GuiDc] 

CURTAIN 



Scene 2 

Salon of the Duchess. The room is dark, with faint 
light from the large brazier of charcoals. 

GuiDo enterSy carrying a candle shaded by a glass 
screen; he approaches the cabinet and begins to 
open the drawers; one resists, and he uses a knife 
he carries to force it open, muttering to himself: 
noise of cracking wood and the springing of the 
lock. 

Santucci enters from the small door right; he is 
dressed in the chaplain s cassock. 

SANTUCCI 

[Ru/nning forward.^ 
Who is there.? Ah! Thieves! Thieves! 

\_He clutches at Guido, who turns upon him.'] 



/ 



358 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

GUIDO 

[/ti suppressed voice.~\ 
Who the devil are you? Let me go. 

SANTUCCI 

\_Grappling feebly with him and calling in a 
weak voice.'] 
Help! Help! Thieves! Robbers! Help! (Rec- 
ognising GuiDO.) Ah! It is the same man — the 
same man. . . . 

[GuiDO wrenches himself loose, seizes a heavy 
paper-knife and strikes Santucci repeatedly 
on the head. Santucci falls, groaning, to the 
floor and lies silent. Guido hastily seizes the 
packet he has found and leaving his candle, 
rushes from the room by the centre door.] 
[^Enter Duchess. Her hair is loose and she is 
wrapped in a large dressing gown, and carries 
a candle.] 

DUCHESS 

\_Peenng about.] 
Who is there? I heard a noise and voices. Who 
is there? 

[Santucci struggling feebly to his feet; his face 
and head covered with blood: he stammers a 
few incoherent words.] 

DUCHESS 

Ah ! So you are a thief. . . . You would rob me ? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 359 

SANTUCCI 

[^Moani/ng.^ 
No, no ! not a thief, no ! I tried to stop him, but he 
struck me. 

DUCHESS 

Who? Who struck you? Where is he? 

SANTUCCI 

He is gone. It was the same man who stole the 
money ; he has broken open the cabinet. 

DUCHESS 

[Hastil/if searching in the drawers.^ 
Guido ! My private drawer open ! My letters — 
the King's letters are gone. {She pulls out letters 
and papers, scattering tliem on the 'floor.) How did 
he know ? What can he want with my letters ? 

[Santucci falls senseless to the floor.~\ 

DUCHESS 

\_Bending over.~\ 
The man is dead ! 

\_She rings the bell, and in a moment Teresa, in 
her nightdress and a shawl appears.^ 

TERESA 

Excellency ! Madonna santissima ! What is the 
matter? Are you ill? {She does not see San- 
tucci.) 



360 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

[Recovering herself.^ 
No — that is, yes — I want to see . . . has Coun- 
tess Cavalese returned from the ball? 

TERESA 

I heard the carriage drive into the courtyard a 
moment ago. 

DUCHESS 

Go and ask the Countess to come here at once. 
Be quick. 

[Exit Teresa.] 

[The Duchess bends over Santucci and then 

falls to searching again amongst the papers.^ 

He must have taken them by mistake. He was 

looking for more money — looking for jewels — but 

the letters ! Oh ! If he reads them ! He is capable 

of anything. 

[Enter Teresa and Countess, Countess is in 
full hall dress y blazing with diamonds.^ 

countess 

My dear Isabella! What is the matter.? What 
is wrong? Are you ill? 

DUCHESS 

No, but I need you. Teresa, wait outside the 
door. 

[Exit Teresa.] 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 361 

COUNTESS 

What in God's name has happened? {She sees the 
open cabinet and scattered papers.) A robbery? 

DUCHESS 

Maria, I have been robbed — oh ! not of money 
nor of jewels, for I possess none — but of something 
worth far more to me than all I ever possessed: of 
some letters that are dearer to me than life. 

COUNTESS 

What letters? Who robbed you? 

DUCHESS 

My son. 

COUNTESS 

Marco? No, he just now came in with us. 

DUCHESS 

Guido. Listen, Maria. My son has twice robbed 
me this night. First, he came here shortly after you 
left me : he bullied and threatened me — he behaved 
like a madman wrenched open that drawer and stole 
the bag of money from the charity bazaar. He stole 
it, in spite of all I could say or do to stop him. 

COUNTESS 

Incredible ! I can't believe it. 

DUCHESS 

Since you are not a thief I suppose you can't. 



362 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

COUNTESS 

Mj poor, dear Isabella ! Never mind : I'll make it 
all good — nobody need ever know. But the let- 
ters ? 

DUCHESS 

Strange things have happened in this room to- 
night — strange even in Casa Teramo, where we are 
accustomed to lawlessness — and even crimes. When 
we spoke of the flight of a prisoner from Sant' An- 
gelo to-night, you declared you hoped he would es- 
cape : you said you would do anything in the world 
to help him. Were you sincere.'' 

COUNTESS 

Indeed I was. I would do anything to help him. 

DUCHESS 

Well, he is here. 

l[She takes the candle and shows her Santucci's 
bodi/.'] 

COUNTESS 

Misericordia! Oh ! blood ! the man is dead ! 

DUCHESS 

If he is dead, Guido is a murderer as well as a 
thief. 

COUNTESS 

But that man is a priest. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 366 

DUCHESS 

No ; he wears a cassock of Serafini's, but he is no 
priest. Help me to lift him up. 

COUNTESS 

\_H or rifled. 1 
Oh ! I would not touch him for worlds ! I don't 
like dead men. 

DUCHESS 

He is not dead — or was not ten minutes ago. We 
must try to revive him : help me to raise him. 

COUNTESS 

I can't, I can't. The sight of blood turns me 
faint. I can't touch him. It is too horrible. Oh, 
Dio mio! 

DUCHESS 

[^Goes to the door.^ 
Teresa, go at once and call Don Marco : tell him 
I want him here instantly. 

COUNTESS 

How did this man come here? Who is he.'' 

DUCHESS 

I will tell you his story later. He gained access 
to this room by a secret staircase, of which the door 
is behind that portrait. Those stairs lead to the 
vaults under the palace. All Rome — at least on 



364 THE A ICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

this Trastevere side — was formerly honeycombed 
with underground passages, most of which have been 
filled up ; but one evidently still exists, into which the 
escaped prisoner found his way, and thus crept to 
the door behind the picture. 

COUNTESS 

And you can live in a house like this — where crimi- 
nals fall into your rooms from behind the pictures : 
I shall never sleep another night under this roof. 
Let me get Angela safely back to Milan, that is all 
I ask. I have seen enough of Rome. 

DUCHESS 

Don't be hysterical, Maria. A few hours ago the 
escaping prisoner was a hero — a martyr in your 
eyes. Now you call him a criminal. You said you 
would do anything in the world to help him, but you 
can't look at him without turning faint, and nothing 
would induce you to touch him with your finger. 
You are not very logical, m}^ dear, and not at all 
helpful. Here is Marco. 
[Enter Marco.] 

MARCO 

What is happening.'^ Why do you want me at this 
hour, mother.? 

DUCHESS 

Marco, there is a wounded man in this room — he 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 365 

may be dead, for what I know — in any case, we must 
carry him to the chaplain's room. {She shows San- 
Tucci to Marco.) 

MARCO 

A priest ! What is the matter with him ? 

DUCHESS 

He is not a priest : but never mind : help me to raise 
him up. 

MARCO 

I put my flask in my pocket : here, let me give him 
some brandy. 

DUCHESS 

Maria, do bring my salts from the dressing-table. 

[^Ea:it Countess into Duchess' bedroom, then 
returning. ] 

[They revive Santucci with the salts and 
brand?/; they get him on his legs, and, leaning 
heavily on Marco and the Duchess, he is led 
to the small door. Countess hearing the can- 
dle; the three then retwrn.^ 

[Duchess goes to the door and speaks to 
Teresa.] 

DUCHESS 

Teresa, go at once and waken Dr. Negroni: tell 
him to come immediately. {She closes th^ door.) 



366 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

Negroni's rooms are in the lower courtyard, and he 
should be here within ten minutes. Now sit down, 
and I will tell you the story of Sisto Santucci. 
[They all sit.^ 



CURTAIN 



.*^- 



ACT III 



ACT III 

(To play Jfd minutes) 
Scene I 

The next morning at ten o'clock. 

The salon of the Duchess. 

Duchess of Teramo, Countess Cavalese, the 
former in neglige morning costume , Teresa and 
Negroni. 

Negroni enters hy the small door at right hack as 
the curtain rises. 

Countess is dressed in black, with mantilla, for a 
papal audience; she wears pearls and some dia- 
mond ornaments in her veil. 

DUCHESS 

Well, Negroni, how is he? 

NEGRONI 

Very bad, Your Excellency. 

COUNTESS 

Misericordia! You don't think he will die? 

NEGRONI 

There is little chance of his recovery. The wound 

369 



370 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

on his head is, in itself, serious, and the loss of blood 
in his debilitated condition is extremely so. 

DUCHESS 

Is he conscious? 

NEGRONI 

Perfectly. His mind is quite clear. 

DUCHESS 

What do you advise, Negroni? 

NEGRONI 

Your Excellency's wish to keep the man's presence 
here a secret is hopeless. I do not say he cannot re- 
cover, but he is suffering also from nervous appre- 
hension : every sound startles him, and he has a 
hunted, anxious look in his eyes, as though he feared 
pursuers or . . . 

DUCHESS 

Never mind what he fears ; he is suffering from 
hallucinations. 

NEGRONI 

No doubt, since Your Excellency says so. His 
concealment here contributes to them. I suggest 
that he be taken to a hospital. 

DUCHESS 

I think you are right. The Mother Superior of 
Santa Monica would permit him to be cared for inside 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 371 

the clausura. Please go at once to Santa Monica's 
and explain my wishes to the Mother Superior, and 
the urgency of the case. Make the best arrange- 
ments you can for his speedy removal. 

NEGRONI 

Your Excellency's commands shall be scrupulously 
obeyed. I shall return within an hour. 
[^Ea^it Negroni, left front.'] 

DUCHESS 

Teresa, go and sit in the room with the sick man. 
You have the doctor's instructions, and if anything 
more is wanted, call me — but no one else. 

TERESA 

Yes, Your Excellency. 

\_Exit Teresa by small door, right hack.] 

COUNTESS 

What a night we have passed ! 

DUCHESS 

With, perhaps, the worst yet to come. 

COUNTESS 

What worse can come, Isabella? 

DUCHESS 

Suppose Santucci were discovered — or suppose 
he were to die here? Think of my position. Dead 



Sn THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

or alive, his presence in my house must not be known. 
And Guido? Anything may be expected from him. 
Oh, Maria ! you may thank God you have a daughter 
instead of sons. 

COUNTESS 

It would not be human to be satisfied with what I 
have: even though Angela is the most delightful of 
daughters. 

DUCHESS 

How is the dear child this morning.'^ 

COUNTESS 

I left her dressing. 

DUCHESS 

Your audience at the Vatican is at noon, and His 
Holiness exacts punctuality. My brother, the Car- 
dinal, will be waiting for you in the secret ante- 
camera at exactly five minutes before twelve. 

[^Enter footman, announcing Baroness Fer- 
rari.] 

DUCHESS 

Pazienza! Fazienza! Now I must listen to Ot- 
tavia. 

\_Enter Ottavia ; her air is mournful hut im- 
portant. ~\ 

OTTAVIA 

Oh! my dear Duchess. Countess. 
[^Salutations exclianged.'\ 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 37S 

DUCHESS 

Good morning, Ottavia. You are early ; I never 
before saw you here at this hour. 

OTTAVIA 

When a work of holy charity calls, all hours are 
the same to me. I have been to the first communion 
mass of the daughters of Mary at Santa Francesca 
Romana, and I must hurry on to the Requiem of the 
Archdeacon P'elagello at San Damaso, but I had to 
come in to speak a word of comfort to you in your 
affliction. 

DUCHESS 

\_Glancmg nervously at Countess.] 
Affliction? What are you talking about.'' 

OTTAVIA 

All Rome is talking about it. Have you not heard 
of the awful scandal in the house of that reprobate 
creature, La Marinella ? Oh ! Mother of Mercy ! I 
don't know what we are coming to. 

DUCHESS 

Well, what are we coming to.'' I have heard noth- 
ing of any scandal — not of any new one. 

COUNTESS 

Did you get your information from the children 
of Mary ? 



374 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

OTTAVIA 

From the Mother Superior All the nuns are pray- 
ing for you, Duchess. 

COUNTESS 

How is it that nuns inside their convents are al- 
ways the first to know everything that happens out- 
side? 

[Footman announces Donna Francesca Viva- 

TELLI.] 

DUCHESS 

Francesca also ! There must indeed be a scandal, 
to bring her here at ten o'clock the morning after 
a ball. 

[Enter Francesca.] 

FRANCESCA 

[Fluttering nervously.'] 
Oh, my dear Duchess ! What a calamity ! What 
a tragedy ! 

OTTAVIA 

Francesca, don't fidget. I was just telling the 
Duchess . . . 

DUCHESS 

Ottavia is so slow, it takes her so long to get any- 
thing out. What has happened, Francesca? I 
know nothing. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 375 

FRANCESCA 

Guido and the Marquis dei Sestri quarrelled last 
night at La Marinella's. Everybody says they are 
to fight a duel to-day — perhaps they have fought 
it already, and somebody is certainly dead — prob- 
ably both of them. Oh, Gesw Maria! And to think 
you never knew it ! 

[Footman announces Don Filippo di Rossi.] 

DUCHESS 

Information seems to be finally reaching me. 

COUNTESS 

This begins to resemble a congress. 

[Enter Rossi. He hisses the hands of both 
ladies.^ 

ROSSI 

[Importantly.^ 
Ah, dear Duchess ! It pains me unspeakably to 
bring you disturbing news. 

DUCHESS 

I have just heard from these ladies that Guido 
and Sestri have quarrelled and are to fight a duel. 
What was it about? 

FRANCESCA 

A frightful scene of jealousy about La Marinella. 



376 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ROSSI 

Not at all. La Marinella had nothing to do with 
it. The trouble began over the baccarat table. 
Sestri took the bank and Guido was winning steadily. 
He had a pile of about eight thousand scudi on the 
table when the row broke out. Just what happened 
nobody seems to know, but Sestri raked in the lot. 
Guido accused him of cheating and Sestri struck at 
Guido. Then the police broke into the house. . . . 

OTTAVIA 

I hope they arrested the brazen Jezebel — the 
woman of sin, of whom the prophet Jeremiah de- 
clared . . . 

FRANCESCA 

The prophet Jeremiah never heard of La Mar- 
inella. 

OTTAVIA 

There were Marinellas even in Jeremiah's time. 
There are always Marinellas. 

DUCHESS 

Go on, Rossi. What happened next.'' 

ROSSI 

The police were bought off. The place was cleared 
and a duel was arranged for this morning. The 
police are going to interfere and stop it. Cardinal 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 377 

Antonelli has sent for the French ambassador and 
it is thought La Marinella will be expelled from Rome 
this very day — whether the embassy likes it or not. 

OTTAVIA 

Let Rome be purified. 

COUNTESS 

It will require more than the departure of La 
Marinella to purify Rome. Isabella dear, do go and 
rest. You can do nothing now, and you need quiet. 

DUCHESS 

\_Rising.~\ 
You are right, Maria ; at my age too many emo- 
tions are exhausting. 

OTTAVIA 

Call on me if you need assistance or comfort. I 
shall come in again after the Requiem. 

FRANCESCA 

If I hear any more news I'll come and tell you, 
though I am sure everybody will be in bed for hours 
after that heavenly ball. (Sotto voce.) The 
flounces were too lovely ! I had a swcces foil. 

DUCHESS 

[Smiling at her and speaking to Rossi.] 
You must explain Vatican etiquette to the Coun- 
tess ; she and Donna Angela have an audience at 



378 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

noon, and I have had no time to coach them. You 
will find the Countess a shocking liberal. 
[^Exit Duchess.] 

COUNTESS 

People in Rome seem to consider us Milanese bar- 
barians and heretics. (To Ottavia.) Have you 
ever been to Milan, Baroness ? 

OTTAVIA 

Miserere ! No ! What should I go to Milan for ? 
It is miles away. 

COUNTESS 

Not too far for us to come here. 



OTTAVIA 

That is quite different — all roads lead to Rome, 
you know. 

COUNTESS 

I am sure they do ; nothing else could account for 
the human pot-pourri one finds here. But Romans 
themselves should travel. They are very provincial, 
and most of them seem to view the world through the 
window of a sacristy. It would do the Pope so much 
good if he would go about more. 

OTTAVIA 

The Pope go about ! Where should he go ? 



I 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 379 

COUNTESS 

Let him go to Paris. 

ROSSI 

Or to Jericho. 

OTTAVIA 

The experience of the last Pope who went to Paris 
would hardly encourage his successors to repeat the 
journey. 

FRANCESCA 

And what did you think of the ball, Countess.'* 
Donna Angela was too sweet! And did you notice 
how devoted Don Marco was? 

COUNTESS 

Of course the setting was superb. I grant you 
there are no palaces like the Roman. I thought 
these three rococo salons hung with water-colours 
quite unique. 

ROSSI 

The older masters are good, but the moderns are 
not represented. Princess Crescenzi is a dear crea- 
ture, but she has no taste for art — none whatever. 

FRANCESCA 

Wasn't it only last night you declared she was ar- 
tistic ? 



380 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ROSSI 

Certainly not. All women are artful, some are 
artificial, but none are artistic. 

COUNTESS 

Well, the ball was a great success, and Angela was 
delighted. I did not see you there. Baroness. 

OTTAVIA 

Since the demise of my beloved consort, I have re- 
nounced the vanities of the world. Balls may be tol- 
erated for the very young, and the frivolous (look- 
ing scornfully at Francesca) who would otherwise go 
to worse places ; but in the meditations of Santa 
Teresa it is . . . 

FRANCESCA 

Santa Teresa is not an authority on balls. 

OTTAVIA 

Francesca, don't fidget ! 

ROSSI 

You were a vision last night, Francesca. 

COUNTESS 

And what exquisite laces you wore ! — Point d'Al- 
en^on. A family heirloom, I suppose.^ 

FRANCESCA 

Precisely, yes. 

[Ottavia retires to the extreme hack and reads 
a large prai/er-booJc like a missal.~\ 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 381 

COUNTESS 

[To Rossi.] 
Donna Ottavia seems to pass her life in pious ex- 
ercises. 

ROSSI 

TartufFe in petticoats ; she typifies the triumph of 
piety over religion. 

COUNTESS 

How monotonous. 

ROSSI 

Oh, no ! She finds variety by constantly meddling 
with people whose only wish is to be let alone. 

FRANCESCA 

Do tell us more about what happened last night. 

COUNTESS 

And since when has the famous Marinella aban- 
doned the stage to live in Rome.'' 

ROSSI 

For the last few years she has kept a hospitable 
house where men arrive rich and leave poor. 

COUNTESS 

I saw her dance in Paris several years ago — she 
is the greatest since Taglioni. I suppose she has 
many lovers.^ 



382 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

ROSSI 

Report assigns her many. I almost believe her to 
be virtuous. 

COUNTESS 

And Don Guido.'' 

ROSSI 

He was never her lover ; he is her debtor. 

COUNTESS 

That is a form of attachment. He seems a mau- 
vais sujet like his savage father. 

GUIDO 

He is worse and with a difference. The father 
was a wild boar, if you like, but the son is a swine. 

COUNTESS 

Were you at La Marinella's when the quarrel oc- 
curred ? 

ROSSI 

By the merest chance, yes. 

COUNTESS 

Then you do go there .'^ 

ROSSI 

I don't go, but I have been — just out of pure cu- 
riosity. 

COUNTESS 

Curiosity is never pure. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 383 

ROSSI 

It is all that is left me, Countess. I am fifty — 
and fat. Nothing remains but to observe the fol- 
lies of others. 

COUNTESS 

You find that easy in Rome, I fancy. 

^ ROSSI 

Everything is easier in Rome than elsewhere. 
The Romans are too indolent to control their pas- 
sions and too indifferent to conceal their vices. 
Rome is the home of toleration. 

COUNTESS 

I think of it as the home of fanaticism. 

ROSSI 

How can there be fanaticism where there are no 
convictions "^ 

COUNTESS 

You forget religion. 

ROSSI 

So would you if you had lived here as long as I 
have. Religion is the chief Roman article of export, 
and the foreign demand leaves none of the commod- 
ity for home consumption. 

TRANCESCA 

Don Filippo rarely knows what he is talking about 



384 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

and never means a word he says. He only loves Na- 
ples since he left it. And he really adores Rome, 
but it is his weakness never to be witty without being 
ill-natured. 

COUNTESS 

I can't think of Don Filippo as a Neapolitan. 

FRANCESCA 

And why.? 

COUNTESS 

Because I never knew a Neapolitan who was not a 
duke. 

[^Enter Valentini. He looks agitated, hut im- 
portant and solemn.^ 

ROSSI 

Well, Valentini, what is the news.^^ 

valentini 
The Duchess is not here.'' Has she gone out.? 

FRANCESCA 

Gone to her room, quite upset about Guido. 

ROSSI 

What is the news, Valentini.? Of the duel, I mean. 

valentini 
Don Guido is dead. 

\^All exclairriy and Ottavia comes forward, la- 
menting.^ 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 385 

ROSSI 

We shall all miss him — missed by many and 
mourned by none. Voild the epitaph of Guido. 

OTTAVIA 

Cut off in his sins — without the sacraments ! ex- 
communicated — excommunicated ! 

ROSSI 

\^Sarcasticall2/.~\ 
Ottavia do be serious for once. Remember that 
death is always fundamentally a tragedy that may 
sometimes bring relief but should never provoke 
mirth. 

OTTAVIA 

\^Scandalised.'\ 
Mirth ! Where is the unhappy creature's soul ? 
That is what I want to know. 

VALENTINI 

His body is at the Morgue. 

ROSSI 

A final exhibition of his taste for vulgar surround- 
ings. Valentini, you must see to his immediate re- 
moval ; now that Guido can be controlled, he must be 
restored to good society. A duke is out of place at 
the Morgue. 

COUNTESS 

Well, it is all sudden. 



386 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

FRANCESCA 

Death is apt to be sudden. 

ROSSI 

And Guido was always impulsive — he did every- 
thing by fits and starts. 

FRANCESCA 

Valentini, it is your duty to tell the Duchess. 

VALENTINI 

\_Horrified.'\ 
I? Never! I'll face the Morgue, but not the 
Duchess. 

[Exit hastily.] 

ROSSI 

You go, Ottavia, and whatever you do, don't break 
the news gently. 

OTTAVIA 

I go to pray for his soul — though I tear it is too 
late — too late ! Requiescat in pace ! 
[Exit Ottavia, tragically.] 

ROSSI 

[Calling after her.] 
Ottavia, don't fidget. 

FRANCESCA 

It is too distressing. I am overcome. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 387 

l^She pretends to faint, but nobody notices her, 
so she gradually revives. ~\ 

COUNTESS 

But somebody must tell her. You go, Don Fi- 
lippo. 

ROSSI 

Oh, no. The providential removal of Guido is a 
luminous response to fervent but unspoken prayers. 

COUNTESS 

Doubtless, and what then? 

ROSSI 

The Duchess might betray her satisfaction, and I 
always avoid witnessing what I am not intended to 
see. 

COUNTESS 

Tactful man ; but are none of you willing to tell 
her the truth? 

ROSSI 

We are all willing, but we are out of practice. 
\_Enter Angela. She is dressed in a costume 
of black chantilly lace, with mantilla, for a 
Papal audience. '\ 

ANGELA 

Mamma, the carriage is announced. 



388 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

COUNTESS 

Oh, my dear, there is shocking news. We must 
cut our visit short, and return to-night to Milan. 
The Duke of Teramo is dead — killed in a duel. Be 
calm, my child ; don't agitate yourself ; be calm ! 

ANGELA 

[With perfect calm.l 
Yes, Mamma. 

PvOSSI 

You realise, Countess, what this means? Marco 
is now Duke of Teramo. 

FRANCESCA 

Isn't it astonishing.'^ 

ROSSI 

No : it is a habit of the Duchess to have things her 
own way. Hence was she long since styled victori- 
ous. She always wins. 

FRANCESCA 

Donna Angela will make a charming Duchess of 
Teramo. 

COUNTESS 

You go too fast. Donna Francesca ; much too fast. 
Nothing is settled, and I don't at all know what An- 
gela thinks. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 389 

FRANCESCA 

[To Angeia.] 
You have captivated all hearts in Rome, Donna 
Angela — you have only to choose. Don Marco is 
at your feet. 

COUNTESS 

Pay no attention to what Donna Francesca says, 
my dear. She romances. 

ANGELA 

[Tijnidl2/.~\ 
Well, Mamma, you always said you liked sailors. 

COUNTESS 

I think you must be mistaken, my child. I know 
very little about them, except that they seem to lead 
rather damp lives and are too flighty to make good 
husba,nds. After Bartlett's disquieting revelations 
about the wife in every port, I could never allow you 
to marry a sailor. 

ROSSI 

The Duke of Teramo will hardly remain in the 
navy. 

\_Enter Teresa.] 

TERESA 

The carriage is waiting for Your Excellency. 

COUNTESS 

Come, Angela. Teresa, there is bad news : the 
Duke of Teramo is dead. 



390 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

TERESA 

\_Crossing herself. ~\ 
God rest his soul ! What a relief for my mistress ! 
It is not often the right people die. 

COUNTESS 

But the Duchess does not know it: you must tell 
her, Teresa. 

TERESA 

Madonna santissima ! I carry death tidings ? 
Never ! 

COUNTESS 

Apparently the Duchess will be the last person in 
Rome to hear of her son's death. 

l^Enter Footman, carrying a letter on a sal- 
ver. ] 

FOOTMAN 

For her Excellency: a lady is waiting. 

[Teresa takes the letter and goes to the Duch- 
ess' roo7n.~\ 

ROSSI 

Permit me to see you to your carriage, Countess. 
What would your late father-in-law. General Cava- 
lese, say to your going to kiss the Pope's foot.^^ 

COUNTESS 

Oh, the General was quite willing to kiss the Pope's 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 391 

feet, but he thought it wise to tie his hands. Come, 
Angela. What a household ! 

\^Exeunt.~\ 

[Enter Teresa.] 

TERESA 

[To Footman.] 
Show the lady in here. 

[Enter Duchess, carrying an open letter. 1^ 

DUCHESS 

[Sotto voce.] 
One of my stolen letters. This is strange . . . 
strange. (She seats herself hy the table, front.) 
You may go, Teresa ; and see that I am not inter- 
rupted. If Dr. Negroni returns from the hospital, 
come and tell me ; but otherwise I am not to be dis- 
turbed. 

TERESA 

Yes, Your Excellency. 

[Exit Teresa.] 

(Footman opens the door.^ 

[Enter La Marinella. Footman closes the 
door behind her. She wears a dark cloak 
completely covering her dress, and a thick 
veil; these she at once removes and stands, 
superbly dressed, wearing ermine furs and 
the three strings of pearls, before the Duch- 
ess: her air is defiant, and triumphant. The 



392 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

Duchess looks at her intently^ hut with 
haughty curiosity, neither rising nor asking 
her to he seated.~\ 

DUCHESS 

[Very deliherately.'\ 
You are the bearer of this letter? 

[Marinella assents with an inclination harely 
perceptible.^ 
and you have others — in jour possession ? 

MARINELIA 

Yes, the others — all of them. 

DUCHESS 

And jou have come here to give them to me? 

MARINELIA 

No. 

DUCHESS 

To sell them to me? 

MARINELLA 

I do not sell, Duchess ; I buy. 

DUCHESS 

This is the second time within twenty-four hours 
that you dare to present yourself in my house. 

MARINELIA 

[Seating herself.'] 
It is not I who am in this house on sufferance. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 393 

Let there be no mistake in our relative positions. If 
you are, in appearance, at home in this house, it is 
solely because I do not choose to say the word that 
would turn you out of it. 

DUCHESS 

Your intention is evidently to be insolent. 

MARINELLA 

My intention is to accomplish a work of tardy jus- 
tice. Four years ago I established myself in Rome 
for one sole purpose — to force you to expiate your 
crimes against God and against humanity. 

DUCHESS 

You are melodramatic. I fail to recognise my- 
self in the character you assign me. The only thing 
I am interested in hearing from you is the terms on 
which I am to recover my private letters, which were 
stolen from me last night, and which have found their 
way, somehow, into your possession. 

MARINELLA 

I bought them from your son Guldo. 

DUCHESS 

I did not ask to know. 

MARINELLA 

Ah ! but you shall know — that and more. En- 
trenched behind your high rank and the homage of 



394 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

your world — you have heard only what it suited 
you to hear. One by one the barriers that hedged 
you off from the consequences of your selfishness and 
hypocrisy have fallen. It was left for me to break 
down the last one. 

DUCHESS 

If you have forced your way into my presence to 
relieve your feelings in a torrent of violent language, 
this conversation had better end now. Women of 
your class . . . 

MARINELLA 

Of my class .'^ I am from necessity what you are 
from choice. That is the only difference between 
us. The evidence of these letters — your royal lov- 
er's hand and yours — puts us in precisely the same 
class. You have kept the world's respect, while I 
have lost it. Public opinion is a capricious tribunal 
that condemns without proof and punishes without 
mercy; it also protects without justice and rewards 
without merit. But I return scorn for scorn. I 
despise your world which despises me, and I appeal 
to the justice of God to judge between us — between 
the Duchess of Teramo and La Marinella. 

DUCHESS 

I trust, Signora, that I am, in spite of my many 
faults, too good a Christian to despise any one. I 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 395 

know you only by reputation, and while public opin- 
ion is based on appearances, appearances are not al- 
ways misleading. I am aware of no reason why your 
enmity towards the world, whose judgments you af- 
fect to despise, should be visited upon me. 

MARINELLA 

Because it is you who have made me what I am. 

\ DUCHESS 

Do you mean that my son has wronged you.'^ 

MARINELLA 

Oh, no ! Your son's weakness is not woman — he 
is a libertine, devoid both of sentiment and passion ; 
he has only appetites. The conquest of a gambler 
is easy enough and I have helped him generously on 
his road to ruin. During the past four years I have 
carefully bought every debt — every I.O.U., every 
mortgage Don Guido ever made, until I held him at 
my mercy. {Touching her pearls.) I even own 
these. 

DUCHESS 

My pearls ! This is insufferable ! 

MARINELLA 

Last night, in exchange for the packet of letters 
he brought me, I cancelled all his indebtedness, and 
he is free — his properties are again his own, so 
precious to me are those letters. 



396 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

« 

DUCHESS 

Am I also to hear the explanation of this mystery ? f 

MARINELLA 

Do you remember the year 1847? 

DUCHESS 

As well as any other. 

MARINELLA 

Do you remember that on a certain evening in De- 
cember of that year, there came to you a woman, 
leading by the hand her child, to plead with you to 
save her husband's life, to speak a word on his behalf 
to the King of Naples and obtain his release from the 
dungeon of Sant' Elmo, where he was being tortured, 
for no crime but merely on suspicion? Do you re- 
member that woman? 

DUCHESS 

Elena Cavaniglia, from Capua. 

MARINELLA 

Who had been your school friend, when you were 
girls together in the convent. 

DUCHESS 

We called her La Santarella, because she was so 
good ; and one girl, an ecstatic creature, declared she 
sometimes saw a halo around her head. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 397 

MARINELLA 

That girl saw true ; the halo was there, and you 
did well to call her La Santarella, for she was one of 
God's saints. 

DUCHESS 

And you ? — what was Elena Cavaniglia to you ? 

MARINELLA 

[^Bowing her head in her hands. ~\ 
My mother. 

DUCHESS 

And she . . . ? Is she living? 

MARINELLA 

You murdered her that December night twenty 
years ago when you repulsed her and drove her out 
into the streets of Naples. That was the only home 
we knew until my dear mother died of starvation in 
a cellar at Portici. You don't know much about the 
life an abandoned orphan girl leads in the slums 
of Naples, I fancy. During four years I lived hon- 
estly, for I felt the presence of my sainted mother 
always hovering around me. Finally, one hot day 
in June, when I had gone fasting from dawn, I sank 
exhausted by the side of the road. I was dazed, and 
almost faint. Suddenly there was a movement 
amongst the people, and the way was cleared : a bril- 
liant carriage drawn by prancing horses rolled 
through the parting crowd. I caught a glimpse of 



398 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

the profile of a woman in a cloud of lace, shaded by a 
rose-coloured parasol. The dirt from the wheels 
struck me in the face where I crouched in the gutter 
— and I heard people saying to one another : " The 
Duchess of Teramo ! The Duchess of Teramo ! " in 
hushed tones of admiration, almost as though the Sa- 
cred Host had passed by. Then I surrendered. 
Verga, master of the ballet at the San Carlo, took 
me in and for three years trained me. Finally the 
opportunity came : late in the afternoon of a gala 
performance for the King's birthday, the prima as- 
soluta, the famous Contarini, was taken ill: the im- 
presario was in despair, when, at the last moment, 
Verga produced me. The triumph of that evening 
was but the first of all that followed during the eight 
years I danced. The dancing of La Marinella be- 
came the sensation of the capitals of Europe, and a 
torrent of gold was poured at my feet. From pen- 
ury and obscurity I leaped into fame and luxury — 
but at the cost of all that I prized — my honour. 
For me, sin was sacrifice ; pleasure I never knew, for 
the sense of my degradation was never absent. My 
mother's spirit haunted me — I could never free my- 
self from her presence. 

DUCHESS 

[S of til/.] 
Signora, your story moves me more than you may 
think. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 399 

MARINELLA 

I have not come here to solicit your pity. If I 
have shown you something of my life, it was that you 
might realise your guilt, not to arouse your compas- 
sion for my shame. My mother knelt to you — and 
she knelt in vain. Her death and the sacrifice of my 
honour were the consequences. The sacrifice of 
yours is the expiation I exact. 

DUCHESS 

Your mother would not . . , 

MARINELLA 

You are not worthy to speak my mother's name. 
I intend the world shall see you and know you as I do, 
as it knows me. I intend to publish the correspond- 
ence between you and the King. I might have mar- 
ried your son Guido and worn your title, but that 
would have made you a martyr in the eyes of your 
world. It is your humiliation I exact. Now you 
know why I paid the price I did for your letters. 

DUCHESS 

\_Calmly.l^ 
How did you know of the existence of those let- 
ters ? 

MARINELLA 

Three years ago I had in my pay a person who oc- 
cupied a confidential position in your household : it 



400 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

was he who saw the letters and who was to have se- 
cured them for me. 

DUCHESS 

I understand. He was caught in the act of rifling 
my cabinet. I remember. 

MARINELLA 

It was then that I turned to Don Guido. I found 
him devoid of scruples and indifferent to honour: it 
only required time to bring him to it. 

DUCHESS 

Then you sent him here to rob me? 

MARINELLA 

I did. 

DUCHESS 

You have paid a much greater price for those 
poor, guilty letters, Signora, than ^ou imagine. I 
will not defend myself against your accusations. 
You will know the truth very soon. After that, you 
may do as you like with my letters. Does your 
father also judge me as you do.'' 

MARINELLA 

He is dead. Tortured to death, perhaps, in the 
prisons of Naples by the friends who seized him, 
and, despite his innocence, murdered him. They 
were your friends. Duchess, those monsters of in- 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 401 

iquity who ground the people's faces and drained 
their blood in those days. You, more than all oth- 
ers, incarnated their pride, their cruelty, their hy- 
pocrisy. It is for that I have planned and striven 
for your punishment. The hope of humiliating you 
has been my lodestar ; it has been my religion. 

DUCHESS 

[Calmly. '\ 
And if your father were not dead.'* 

MAEINELIA 

If he were not dead.^* 

DUCHESS 

You have no proof of his death. You arraign me 
for murder without even knowing that your father 
is dead. What if you have fed your disordered 
frenzy for vengeance on a fiction of your imagina- 
tion ? 

MARINELIA 

Were he not dead, I should have found him. I 
have wealth and I have powerful friends, all of which 
I have used to trace my father's whereabouts. Pris- 
ons have been searched, their records examined — 
everything has been done over and over again, but 
without result. If Sisto Santucci still lived, I should 
have found him six years ago, when I went to Naples 
with influence behind me that opened every door of 



402 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

search. But no cell gave up its victim — no grave 
gave up its dead. 

DUCHESS 

And yet, I say, you have no proof. I will not 
argue about the responsibility you would fasten on 
me for your mother's sufferings and for the ruin of 
your young life. But I ask you, suppose your fa- 
ther were living — would you want to see him ? 

MARINELLA 

I would give all I possess to know that he lived — 
to see him. But you are playing with me ; you seek 
to soften me by talking of my father — by holding 
out possibilities — hopes that he may still live. 
{Sneeringly.) You are doubtless a very astute 
woman. Duchess, in your own world — but spare 
yourself such feeble efforts to turn me from my pur- 
pose. 

DUCHESS 

Perhaps you have always been moved by pity for 
yourself rather than love for your parents; it is 
yourself you seek to revenge — not them, else you 
would welcome the hope I offer you. 

MARINELLA 

It is a false one. I distrust you as much as I 
hate you. It is idle for us to discuss. I came to tell 
you my intentions; now I go to fulfil them. {She 
moves towards door,) 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 40S 

DUCHESS 

Every step you take away from me carries you 
farther from your father. 

MARINELLA 

[^Turning.^ 
What do you mean — farther from my father ? 

DUCHESS 

That your father is here. 

MARINELLA 

[Overcome.'] 
Here ? Here ? Where ? 

DUCHESS 

But a few yards distant — he is in the next room. 

MARINELLA 

Ah! Ah! God forgive you if you are tricking 
me. No ! it is not possible. I will kill you with my 
hands, here in this room, if you are lying to me ! 

DUCHESS 

[Calmly.'] 
I am telling you the truth. Your father is in the 
next room — under my protection — but in danger 
of his life. (She rises.) 

MARINELLA 

In danger.?^ 



404 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

Signora Marinella, I have heard jou denounce me 
as a murderer, and I have had patience while you 
made your appeal to God for Justice, and talked of 
your sacred right to vengeance. Now listen to me, 
for I will show you the foolishness, the wickedness 
you have blindly worked. After drawing him on to 
his ruin, you sent a son to rob his mother of letters 
that you might deliver family secrets to the world 
and disgrace her whom you have erected into your 
enemy. You conclude an infamous bargain with my 
unnatural son and you bought from him my letters. 
I told you a few moments since that you had paid a 
far higher price for them than you imagined. 

MARINELLA 

What do you mean.^^ What has this to do with 
my father's presence here.^ — if he be here. 

DUCHESS 

The price you paid was your father's life. 

MARINELLA 

Ah ! Ah ! 

DUCHESS 

You sent Don Guido to rob — he also murdered. 

MARINELLA 

Murdered? 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 405 

DUCHESS 

Your father, Sisto Santucci, escaped two days ago 
from Castel Sant' Angelo ; he found his way through 
secret underground passages that led him into this 
palace and into this room where I was. He was ex- 
hausted, famished, bitten by hungry rats, half 
frozen because he was almost naked. I restored him, 
fed him, hid him in that room, unknown to any one. 

MARINELLA 

No! No! It can't be. My father is dead . . . 
dead. You are mistaken. 

DUCHESS 

I am not mistaken. He sat there by the fire last 
night and told me his story. An hour later, Don 
Guido, sent by you, entered this room as a thief and 
forced the lock of yonder cabinet. Santucci heard 
the noise and came to see what was happening. He 
mistook my son for a housebreaker and tried to stop 
him. They struggled, but your father was weak, 
and Guido struck him on the head with this knife and 
felled him senseless to the floor. Thus you obtained 
my letters. That was the price you paid. 

MARINELLA 

Oh! Diomio! Dio mio! He is dead! — my 
father is dead ! 



406 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

No, he is not dead, but his condition is very grave. 
The doctor does not exclude hope, though he offers 
none. I have sent him to arrange to have Santucci 
carried to the hospital and I have asked the Mother 
Superior to allow him inside the clausura, where he 
will be in no danger of being found — for the police 
are hunting for him. 

MARINELLA 

You . . . jou have done this for my father .^^ 
And what shall I say to you? 

DUCHESS 

Say nothing, but learn how dangerous, how fool- 
hardy it is for us poor humans to tamper with the 
wheels of fate, that move ever on, despite our wills 
and heedless of our understanding. Vengeance is 
not ours, but God's, and we are forbidden to judge 
one another — how, then, shall we claim the right to 
punish.? 

MARINELLA 

But my father — when shall I see him ? 

DUCHESS 

That must be managed with caution, for a shock 
— even of joy — might kill him. I faithfully prom- 
ised him that I would find you and bring you to him. 
He longs to see you ; he lives only on that hope, for 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 407 

that joy. To die free, with you by his side to re- 
ceive his blessing and close his eyes. 

MARINE LLA 

And I. ... Oh, Dio mio! How am I to see 
him? Should he suspect the life I have led, he would 
drive me from his presence with his curse. 

DUCHESS 

He need never know. Well, Teresa .^^ 
[Enter Teresa.] 

TERESA 

Dr. Negroni has returned. Your Excellency. 

DUCHESS 

Is there any one with him ? 

TERESA 

Yes, Your Excellency, two bearers from the hos- 
pital, who bring a stretcher. 

DUCHESS 

Show them through to the chaplain's room. 
[Exit Teresa.] 
[To Marinella.] 
Stand behind this screen. You will see your fa- 
ther without him seeing you. Make no sound. 

[They arrange the screen, behind which Mari- 
nella takes her place, nervously twitching 
her hands and showing signs of intense agita<- 



408 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

tion; TneanwhUe Negroni and the bearers^ 
followed hy Teresa, have crossed the room 
and passed through the small door, bearing a 
stretcher. They return in an instant: San- 
Tucci, looking ghastly pale, with bandaged 
head, lies inanimate, covered with a whiti 
sheet: they put him down where Marinelia 
can see him.^ 

DUCHESS 

[Softly to Negroni.] 
Is everything arranged as I desired? 

NEGRONI 

Everything. The Mother Superior is happy to 
obey you. 

DUCHESS 

Please wait with these men in the next room. Ne- 
groni, I wish to speak alone with your patient. 

NEGRONI 

Certainly. No agitation, remember. 

[E^veunt Negroni and Men, and Teresa.] 

DUCHESS 

[Kneeling by the stretcher.^ 
Signor Santucci, you are going now to Santa 
Monica Hospital, where the Mother Superior has 
consented to receive you inside the clausura, and 
where the good nuns will faithfully attend to you. 
There you will be safe from pursuit. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 409 

SANTUCCI 

[FeeblT/.'] 
God bless you, Duchess. I shall need no refuge 
long. 

DUCHESS 

Don't say that, my friend. You are weak, but 
you must get back your strength. Now you are free 

— after years of imprisonment and suffering, j^ou 
are free, and you must live (glancing at Marinella) 
for your daughter's sake. 

SANTUCCI 

My daughter ! — my darling Mari' Elena ! Ah ! 
were she with me, who knows ? perhaps she might give 
me strength. My little girl — my little girl ! 

DUCHESS 

She is no longer a little girl now — she is a grown 
woman. 

SANTUCCI 

Yes, a woman — a good woman, like her dear 
mother, for she had her mother's sweet eyes and pure 
brow : her mother. Duchess, was a saint. I some- 
times almost trembled when I came into her presence 

— there was something intangibly sacred about her. 
I was not a religious man, but when I looked at my 
wife with our child in her arms, I realised the sanc- 
tity of motherhood. Perhaps Mari' Elena has chil- 
dren of her own. What joy for me to find her happy 

— surrounded by her family ! 



410 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

But . . . suppose, Signor Sanctucci . . . just 
suppose it were otherwise. Suppose she has been 
unfortunate, that she has gone under in the struggle ? 
You spoke last night of the dangers and temptations 
that beset defenceless girls. Suppose you were to 
find your daughter . . . unhappy? 

SANTUCCI 

Dishonoured? No ! I would rather she were 
dead. 

DUCHESS 

Has suffering taught you so little? Misery is the 
mother of much sin. You said your child was beau- 
tiful, but beauty is more often a woman's ruin than 
her happiness. Ah! my friend, you were innocent, 
and yet you were caught up in the merciless wheels of 
fate, and ground to powder. Innocence does not 
protect — it betrays. We cannot know whether 
your daughter's innocence was her salvation or her 
perdition. If she is now unhappy, she will need you 
all the more — and will you, therefore, love her less ? 

SANTUCCI 

Need me? How can I help any one, when I can- 
not help myself? 

DUCHESS 

You can give her your love. If she suffers under 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 411 

the harsh judgment of the world, she will need the 
refuge that only you can offer her — a father's love. 

SANTUCCI 

You are right, Duchess ; the world's judgments 
are cruel. If my child has fallen ... a victim to 
misery, she is still my daughter, all the more my 
daughter. I shall want her love, just the same. 
May God send her to me ! 

DUCHESS 

I feel that your prayer will be answered — your 
wish granted. 

SANTUCCI 

[Hopefully.'] 
Almost, I believe you. I feel somehow as though 
she were near me. Perhaps it is the fever, but her 
sweet presence seems near, so near. 

DUCHESS 

I don't think it is the fever. You know I prom- 
ised you to search for her — to leave no stone un- 
turned until I found her. 

SANTUCCI 

You have been an angel of mercy and hope to me. 

DUCHESS 

I have good news for you. Oh ! nothing absolutely 
certain, so don't agitate yourself, but some indica- 



412 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

tion, some hopeful sign, a trace which I shall follow. 
I have spoken with one this morning who knew her, 
who knows her, and who, I feel confident, will bring 
Mari' Elena to you. 

SANTUCCI 

I will live — I must live till then. Mari' — Mari' 
Elena, my child, come back to your desolate father ! 
. . . come to sweeten his last hour, to close his weary 
eyes! Ah, Duchess, will she come? 

DUCHESS 

She will come, my friend, she will. I, too, feel it 

just as strongly as you do, and I have no fever. But 

you must get strong — keep quiet and get strong. 

[She goes to the door and summons Negroni, 

the Men and Teresa, who enter. The Men 

raise the stretcher and go out, preceded hy 

Teresa, who opens and closes the door, while 

Negroni walks hy the side.~\ 

SANTUCCI 

Farewell, Duchess. Let me kiss your hand. Are 
you sure you have forgiven me ? You won't leave me 
alone ? 

DUCHESS 

[Playfully.^ 
Don't ask foolish questions, my friend, and remem- 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 413 

ber all I have told you. I will come to see you, Mari' 
Elena and I will come together. Good-bye. 
[Ea:eunt.^ 

[Marinella has assisted at this scene, over- 
come with conflicting emotions: she now takes 
the pearls from her neck, the packet of let- 
ters in a blue silk covering from her pocket, 
and comes towards the Duchess, before whom 
she sinks to her knees in a posture of extreme 
humility, silently holding up the pearls and 
the packet. As the Duchess takes them, she 
touches Marinella's hand with a kindly pat; 
a faint smile of satisfaction, quickly sup- 
pressed, plays on her face.^ 

duchess 
Did you recognise him.'^ 

marinella 
\^With covered face, nods assent. '\ 
Tell me what I must do to be with him. 

duchess 
Do you wish to go to the hospital.'' 

marinella 
I wish to be with my father. I will give all I pos- 
sess to that hospital, if they will only let me come 
there as a servant — as anything, so that I may be 
with him. I loathe my life and I will leave it, if those 
nuns will take me. 



414 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

I am Patroness of Santa Monica's, and I will ask 
the Mother Superior to admit you to the ward and 
give you the habit on probation. None of the sisters 
will know who you are, only the Reverend Mother. 
You may choose your own time and way to reveal 
yourself to your father. 

MARINELIiA 

You will do this . . . for me . . . who . . , ? 
Oh ! Duchess, my humiliation, my misery is abject. 
... I don't . . . 

DUCHESS 

There, there ; let us say no more of the mistakes — 
our mistakes — in the past ; it is the present that 
concerns us. 

[Enter Marco ; he looks agitated and does not 
perceive Marinella at first. '\ 

MARCO 

Madre cara, there is bad news ! Guido ... 

MARINELIA 

[Aside.'] 
His mother! {She shrinks hack.) . 

DUCHESS 

Well, what of him.'' 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 415 

MARCO 

Guido was wounded this morning . . . seriously, 
perhaps even mortally, in a duel with the Marquis dei 
Sestri. We must be prepared for the worst. 

DUCHESS 

You mean that he is . . . dead? 

MARCO 

\_E7nbracing her.~\ 
Yes — he is dead, an hour ago. 

DUCHESS 

[^ momenfs silence. '\ 
He lived an unworthy life and he has died an evil 
death. May God have mercy on his soul! 

MARCO 

[Seeing Marinella.] 
Elena ! You here with my mother ! 

DUCHESS 

Elena? 

MARCO 

Yes, this is Elena. You surely know that? 

MARINELLA 

[Advancing.!^ 
Duchess, he did not know ... he does not know. 



416 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

DUCHESS 

\_In hard tones. ^ 
You are the woman — the widow — my son met 
last autumn at Gaeta? 

MARCO 

Of course she is. If you don't know her, how does 
she come here? 

DUCHESS 

She is the daughter of Sisto Santucci. 

MARCO 

The escaped prisoner? 

MARINELLA 

Does he know ? 

DUCHESS 

He helped last night to care for your father, and I 
told him the story. 

MARCO 

Then you do know her, and her mother was your 
school-friend. How glad I am ! You said last 
night that all you wanted was to see her and to know 
who she was. Remember your promise not to op- 
pose our marriage. 

DUCHESS 

She is Elena Santucci, but she bears another . . . 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 417 

MARINELLA 

Stop ! stop ! I forbid you to speak. . . . 

DUCHESS 

You forbid? 

MARINELLA 

No, no. I don't mean that. I entreat ... I 
implore you, Duchess, be silent ! 

DUCHESS 

And sacrifice my son? Never! This boy is mine 
— he is all I have, all I have ever had in this world, 
and I will defend him against you, against himself, at 
no matter what cost. You shall not ruin another 
Duke of Teramo. 

MARCO 

Another? 

MARINELLA 

For pity's sake — for God's sake. Duchess, don't ! 
don't ! Give me a moment's time, and I will explain. 
I will make him understand. {She essays a lighter 
tone.) Why, he has told you all about our meeting 
and our mornings in Gaeta. It all happened by 
chance, and I did not even know who he was. No 
harm was done, and you must not take his folly too 
seriously. 

MARCO 

Folly ! You call my love for you folly ? 



418 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MARINELLA 

Yes, Marco dear, the maddest folly. You call it 
love, but it is merely your first illusion. I owe you 

the happiest hours of my life of my very sad life 

— but I like you too well to make a fool of you, and 
not well enough to make a fool of myself. 

MARCO 

You have deceived me . , . ? 

MARINELLA 

When a man deceives himself, he always blames a 
woman — 

MARCO 

You told me you had never loved any one else, and 
that no one could ever love you as I do. 

MARINELIA 

Yes, yes ! No one's love for me could ever be like 
yours — that is what I said, Marco, and I meant it. 
I do mean it. 

MARCO 

Then you are mine, and nothing shall part us. 

DUCHESS 

I restored your father to you; now give me back 
my son. Since he is deaf to reason, he must hear 
truth. 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 419 

MAKCO 

Last night my mother had never heard of you — 
apparently — nor did you know I was her son ; and 
this morning I find you closeted together. How did 
you come here? Why did you come here? 

MAKINELLA 

Your mother has saved my father's life. It is she 
who has brought us together and henceforth I shall 
live only for him. There is no room in my life, no 
desire in my heart for any one or anything else ; that 
is my answer, Marco. Now let me go. 

MARCO 

[^Stepping before her.^ 
No, you shall not go. 

DUCHESS 

Marco, let her go. Signora, cut short this pain- 
ful scene and leave us. 

MARCO 

When she leaves, I go with her. She is to be my 
wife. 

MARINELLA 

No, no, no ! 

DUCHESS 

For that my consent is necessary. You are still a 
minor, and there is this law. 



420 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MARCO 

We can wait. 

DUCHESS 

\_With sarcasm.'^ 
Or dispense with the ceremony — in this case. . . . 

MARINELLA 

[ApproacJimg }ier.~\ 
Don't, don't ! I beseech you ! Have I not done 
my best.'' 

DUCHESS 

You have not told him the truth. 

MARINELLA 

You are merciless ! Listen to me, Marco. I 
meant never to see you again after I left Gaeta. 
Fate brought us together there, a kind fate that gave 
us one week of simple, innocent happiness such as I 
had never before known. I bless eA^ery one of those 
hours we spent together — they are the golden hours 
of my life. But now that my father is restored to 
me, broken and helpless, nothing else in the world 
matters to me. Never again will I quit his side, and 
I shall remain, when he leaves me, with the nuns of 
Santa Monica's until my turn comes to follow him. 
I have renounced the world. He is the only reality 
in my life — you are the dream. 



M 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 421 

MARCO 

You in a cloister ! God does not call you to a re- 
ligious life. 

MAEINELLA 

Though He has not called me, God will welcome 
me. I am to-day giving all my fortune to that hos- 
pital. I have made my vow. 

MARCO 

This is a pretext. There is something more . . . 
something behind, which you do not tell me. 

MARINELLA 

Why can you not believe me when I tell you that 
we are separated by a gulf that nothing can span? 

MARCO 

My love can bridge any gulf. 

MARINELLA 

[ Weeping. ] 
Let me go, and forget me — be merciful to us both, 
to yourself as well as to me. (To the Duchess.) 
I cannot tell him, — you have set me a task beyond 
my strength and he is cruel with the pitiless cruelty 
of youth. 

DUCHESS 

Only the truth will set him free. Remember, I 
hold your father's liberty, his life, as my hostage. 



42£ THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

MARINELLA 

[Terrified.l 
You threaten me? You would undo . . . ? 

DUCHESS 

I defend my son. 

MARCO 

You both talk in riddles. Elena, my mother is 
right. You owe me the truth. I must know. I will 
know. 

MARINELLA 

\_With forced cal?n.~\ 
So be it ; you shall have the truth. Your brother, 
Guido, is dead — killed in a duel, purposely provoked 
over a gaming-table. You know he was a gambler, I 
suppose .^^ He died a ruined man. Did you ever 
hear who ruined him.'* . . . the woman's name.? . . . 
for of course it was a woman — only women do such 
things. 

MARCO 

Yes ; the ballet-dancer . . . La Marinella : every- 
body knows that. 

MARINELLA 

[Half -bitterly, half -proudly.'] 
Of course they do. Everybody knows La Mari- 
nella. She is famous. . . . 

MARCO 

She is infamous. 



\ 



THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 423 

MARINELLA 

\^Shrinking.'\ 
Ah! 

DUCHESS 

Hush, Marco ! You don't know what you are say- 
ing. 

MARCO 

I do know. Do you defend this creature who has 
murdered Guido and well-nigh ruined the house of 
Teramo ? 

MARINELLA 

Perhaps, if you knew, Marco . , . perhaps there 
may be something to be said even for La Marinella. 

MARCO 

There is nothing. 

MARINELLA 

Nothing? She is a woman. . . . 

MARCO 

We need not remember what she has forgotten. 
But why are we talking about this person whom we 
none of us know, and all despise.'* 

DUCHESS 

You are very hard. . . . 

MARINELLA 

But he is making it easier for me. Listen, Marco. 



424 THE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 

La Marinella is famous for her dancing, for her 
beauty, for the hearts she has broken and the men 
she has driven to poverty, to dishonour and to sui- 
cide. She glories in the blight she brings upon all 
who fall under her evil influence, for she is a woman 
at enmity with the world, a creature without a heart, 
without passions even, for she takes all — love, for- 
tune, honour, life, and she gives nothing in return ; 
and in the end she laughs at her victims. Amidst the 
insolent pageant of luxury in which she moves. La 
Marinella lives alone — always alone ; everywhere 
she is a stranger, a nameless waif, without home, 
without friends, without love — bereft of everything, 
living only with memories that torture her. She is 
haunted — haunted always by a face, by a voice — 
her mother's ; and they leave her no respite. The 
law of her life is hate — hatred for the creature 
called man, to whom her virgin honour was sacrificed 
for the right to live. 

MARCO 

[Beginning to comprehend.~\ 
What do you mean? Mother, who is she.'* 

MARINELLA 

[Approaching and looking fixedly at Mm.l 
Your life has dawned like a summer's day in beauty 
— will you blast its promise and have it to set in 
storm? Is there then some maleficent star, some 

5145 



TPIE VICTORIOUS DUCHESS 425 

fateful planet that drives the destinies of Casa Te- 
ramo into the sinister orbit of La Marinella, that you 
should follow in your dead brother's footsteps? For 
I am La Marinella. Now you know. You would 
have the truth — now you know. Duchess, I give 
3"ou back your son. My debt is paid. La Mari- 
nella is quits with Casa Teramo. 
[Exit Marinella.] 

[Marco, dazed and grief-stricken^ sinks upon a 
chair and covers his face. The Duchess re- 
sists her impulse to comfort him, takes the 
packet of letters from the table, and drops 
them one hy one on the charcoals in the bra- 
zier. Her face wears a smile of quiet satis- 
faction.'] 



curtain 



THE END 



Ho^ 

















V*^^ 





















' • . « 





► t? 






^^^^ 







A9^ 






,-1°^ 





o • » 



°o 



^ 



>i C 



•4^ 



.-^^ 



• H O 



• / 1 















M 



.40,, 








« • 







.-^^^ 








•\..'°.-- 



